Caring for One’s Thyroid is Good for Optimal Health
Taguig, Philippines, October 1, 2021 – Thyroid disorders are becoming prevalent in the Philippines according to a panel of medical experts. Speaking before a media forum, Dr. Nemencio Nicodemus Jr., president of the Philippine Thyroid Association, said common thyroid diseases (such as goiter) which mostly affect women, are on the rise since 1993.
“In fact, Filipinos are afflicted with goiter more than diabetes. 9 out of 100 Filipinos have it. While three other known thyroid disorders such as Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism and Thyroid Cancer affect a significant number, around 4 to 6 in 1000,” he bared in an online presscon called Thyroid Care: Walking The Healthy Path.
The thyroid gland is a small but powerful organ that plays an important role in bodily processes such as metabolism, heart rate, digestion among others. It basically produces two important hormones, T3 and T4 that regulate vital bodily functions in coordination with other organs.
There were other eye-popping revelations on thyroid cases based on a study by the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer. In 2020 alone, thyroid cancer is the number 7 most common cancer in the country next to cervical cancer, though it is the least most common cause of cancer deaths at the 21st spot.
In the same event organized by leading global pharmaceutical company Merck, Dr. Adrian Fernando, head of the Head & Neck Unit of the Benavides Cancer Institute in UST Hospital, said the rise in thyroid cancer cases is mainly attributed to genetics, unhealthy lifestyle, and advancements in disease detection.
He claims Filipinos are predisposed to thyroid cancer due to our genetic make-up. “Genetics play an important role in thyroid cancer development. As Filipinos, we need to increase public awareness, invest in improved cancer registry, and adopt our own management guidelines,” Fernando suggested.
The good news is most thyroid disorders are treatable especially if detected early.
Among the most common preventive measures are routinary head and neck examination and ultrasound of the thyroid. It detects early on lumps and nodules that can lead to cancer. Another important intervention is to conduct a blood test specifically to detect abnormal amounts of T4 and T3 hormones.
Merck has been doing its lion share of treating and preventing thyroid disorders worldwide by coming up with fact-based, scientific education programs and media forums, while constantly improving their medicines and drugs.
“We see to it that our research and development is well funded and clinically capable of producing the best medicines and treatments for thyroid problems,” said Henry Wilson, president and managing director of Healthcare of Merck in the Philippines.
Pressed by media on what steps to take to have a healthy thyroid gland, Dr. Nicodemus advised the public to live a healthy lifestyle, make sure to have an ideal intake of iodine through seafoods and dairy products such as milk, yoghurt and cheese, and limit exposure to radiation. Iodine is a main component in producing thyroid hormones.
Merck medical director Dr. Raymond Tapang said to continually come up with more informative media symposiums like this to educate the public on the proper care of their thyroid to prevent diseases.
“Events like this aim to dispense medically sound treatment and solutions to best manage thyroid-related medical conditions. We need public discussions like this to dispel rumors, myths and fake news on thyroid care that proliferate on the internet,” said Dr. Tapang.
Merck has come up with a Facebook page called “Unmasking Your Thyroid” to inform the public about proper thyroid healthcare. There are other good resource websites for thyroid care such as Thyroid.ph and Thyroidaware.com that have thyroid symptom checkers.
As a parting shot, Wilson said the best option still if you feel there is something wrong with your thyroid is to seek professional, medical advice immediately. “Nothing beats that!”
About Merck
Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 50,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life – from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2014, Merck generated sales of € 11.3 billion in 66 countries.
Founded in 1668, Merck is the world’s oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.
