According to the New York Times, a study has found a link to two genetic variants that account for around fifty-seven percent of cases of thyroid cancer. A team of researchers led by Julius Gudmundsson has found that the variants are located near the genes that control the development of the thyroid gland. These variants are a change to a single chemical unit in the genome. People who have both variants are six times more likely to get thyroid cancer when compared to a person who does not have either.
The study was conducted among those of European descent and it was found that approximately four percent had both variants. However, there was no information on other ethnicities. Each year there are around 35,000 reports of thyroid cancer in the United States, with about 1,500 deaths.
Since the number of deaths are relatively low and the price of the genetic testing is relatively high, it has been said that it is not worth testing the entire population for these two variants. However, it will be useful in screening people of high risk, such as families that have history of thyroid cancer. A finding like this can lead to earlier detection for those who are at a high risk of getting thyroid cancer which could potentially save the lives of many.
I found this article to be very exciting. I have always had an interest in learning about different diseases and the treatments associated with them. Also, since I have a history of cancer in my family, findings like this give me hope that early detection and treatments are out there and that many lives will be both saved and improved.
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