RAI -I131 -30% risk of secondary cancers

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2006
RAI -I131 -30% risk of secondary cancers
1
Wed, 01-10-2007 - 2:04pm

Hello,

I am a mom of two. Long story short, I have a nodule on my thryoid which the FNA came back as positive for Papillary Cancer. Now, I am awaiting surgery. TO prepare myself, I have been researching thyroid cancer. It is stated from a new study in 2006 that RAI - I131 gives people with thyroid cancer a 30% higher risk of secondary cancers. I am totally freaking out. I am only 37. I don't want to get a worse cancer in 10-15 years. I do not want to do the RAI. Do you always have it done? I don't want to get it done!!! How do you live with this knowledge of higher risk? I am so depressed and sad.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-26-2006
Wed, 01-10-2007 - 2:54pm

Let me ease your mind alittle bit. When you said that after RAI, there is a 30% chance of a secondary cancer, you don't have all the answers. First, it depends on how much RAI you have, how often and the affect it had on you. I am 35 years old, I am not letting those SMALL study effect who I am or how I live my life. Our cancer is CUREABLE, I bet you read that in your investigation also, when found early. Positive thoughts!!!

Hang in there!!

Dyan :)