Radioactive Iodine (RAI) for Hyperthyroidism Linked to Cancer Deaths

October 8, 2019   |   Evidence in Integrative Healthcare

Integrative providers often see intake history reports of hyperthryoidism and RAI treatment. The NIH and the National Cancer Institute have compiled findings from a study of more than 19,000 patients receiving RAI. A clear dose-response relationship between this widely-used treatment and long-term risk of death from solid cancer, including breast cancer, in the larges cohort study to date has now established evidence showing 20-30 solid cancer deaths per 1,000 RAI treatments. Most of the RAI is absorbed by the thyroid, however other organs like breast and stomach are exposed during treatment. It would be wise for providers to take note of all patients reporting RAI as a past treatment and watch for signs/symptoms of breast or other solid cancers.

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-07/nci-nsf062719.php