Your Health Segment: The Thyroid Guard Controversy

Recently I received an interesting email about thyroid cancer, which has been on the rise in both women and men over the past several years.  Maybe you have been the recipient of this email.  In the email it explains that on the Dr. Oz show (originally aired in September 2010) Dr. Oz mentioned that part of the increase could be due to the exposure we are receiving from dental s-rays and mammograms.  On this show and the follow-up show he did more recently, Dr. Oz explains how a thyroid guard is available during these procedures, but rarely used.  It’s a small inexpensive guard that is simply wrapped around your neck, which he explains could help lessen unnecessary exposure to radiation.

Since his original airing of the show, women have started to go into their doctor’s offices requesting use of this guard during their dental x-rays and mammograms.  Doctors, wondering why their patients were now all of a sudden asking for these guards, have been inquiring of their patients and hearing repeatedly that it’s because of the Dr. Oz show, proving to us once again the power of the media.

Now a heated debate has been ignited.  Experts across the country are weighing in to voice their opinions.  Opponents of Dr. Oz’s recommendation say that the risk to the thyroid is so little that this guard is unnecessary.   Additionally, some suggest that use of the guard during a mammogram can inhibit an accurate result thereby increasing the need for an additional mammogram if the results are skewed. 

So is a thyroid guard helpful or unnecessary?  I think it is up to the individual to decide.  If there is the possibility that an ounce of prevention could potentially ward off or lessen your risk of thyroid cancer, would you use that prevention or take the risk? 

To view the follow-up segment from the Dr. Oz show, visit this link:  http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/thyroid-guards-do-you-need-one-pt-1 .  It is part one of a three part video where he discusses the pros and cons with a panel of experts.  Definitely something you may want to think about.  After all, it is your health.