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Hi,
Dr Google is giving me mixed messages (as he usually does). Is there any link between Thyroid problems and Breast Cancer? I read somewhere that there may be a link, but they're not 100% sure yet... or something like that...
Because you aren't busy enough on here Glenys (haha joking!), I thought I would throw this one out there as I'm just getting confused trying to research it myself and I thought you'd have a better idea of what's fact and what's fiction. No hurry! If I find anything i *think* might be legit I'll try post it here.
xoxo Jo
Dx May 2005 aged 25, Triple Negative, 25mmx18mmx20mm grade 3 invasive atypical medullary tumour, Axillary Clearance 1/15 lymph nodes positive (sentinal node only), Lumpectomy, Chemotherapy (FEC), Radiotherapy, LB only, now Mama to Patrick born 12/6/2013.
Dx May 2005 aged 25, Triple Negative, 25mmx18mmx20mm grade 3 invasive atypical medullary tumour, Axillary Clearance 1/15 lymph nodes positive (sentinal node only), Lumpectomy, Chemotherapy (FEC), Radiotherapy, LB only, now Mama to Patrick born 12/6/2013.
the Click Researcher 
Dx May 2005 aged 25, Triple Negative, 25mmx18mmx20mm grade 3 invasive atypical medullary tumour, Axillary Clearance 1/15 lymph nodes positive (sentinal node only), Lumpectomy, Chemotherapy (FEC), Radiotherapy, LB only, now Mama to Patrick born 12/6/2013.
The Click Breast Care Nurse 
Hi again Jo.
I have now extensively reviewed your query of a possible link between thyroid problems and breast cancer. Here's my response:
Anecdotally I have seen many hundreds of women with breast cancer now since I began working in this field in 1995. I have never noticed an association with thyroid problems in these women. Neither have I heard this raised as a significant factor in the multidisciplinary breast cancer setting, although of course many conditions are complex, research is ongoing and new findings are reported constantly.
Researching with 'Dr Google' does raise many articles that state a possible link (though as you stated, much of this is also conflicting). I note most of this information is not from reputable medical/research sites, and as we know, anything can be posted on the net, any claims can be made without having to have high-level proven evidence to support. Most of these also make reference to studies from the 1990s rather than newer references, therefore not reflecting the latest evidence.
I have looked at recent verified research, and found some interesting articles & reports. One article (dated 2010) provided a statement that sums up much of what has been reported:
"A large number of epidemiological studies have been performed during the last 50 years on benign thyroid conditions in relation to breast cancer, and at least seven studies included more than 1,000 breast cancer cases. However, most previous studies show no association between thyroid condition and breast cancer .. ".
This article actually does report an association found in their study between elevated levels of a thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine or T3) and bc risk in post-menopausal women, but not in pre-menopausal women. They found no association with Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels and bc. What the meaning of this finding is has not been explored, and is not yet understood. Further research is required. Link to article: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2917028/?tool=pmcentrez
My conclusion is there is not yet a well-established link between thyroid problems and breast cancer, but is subject to ongoing research. As one person commented in an article I looked at .. “maybe there is .. “, but then maybe there is with many things .. maybe not!
Hope that helps address your query Jo.
Love Glenys xxx
This post was edited by Glenys at August 3, 2012 11:56:05 AM WATime"
The Click Breast Care Nurse
Dx May 2005 aged 25, Triple Negative, 25mmx18mmx20mm grade 3 invasive atypical medullary tumour, Axillary Clearance 1/15 lymph nodes positive (sentinal node only), Lumpectomy, Chemotherapy (FEC), Radiotherapy, LB only, now Mama to Patrick born 12/6/2013.
the Click Researcher
The Click Breast Care Nurse
the Click Researcher
The Click Breast Care Nurse
