St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver has opened a unique clinic that focuses solely on thyroid cancer and other complex thyroid problems -- and it's the first of its kind in Canada
While the vast majority of thyroid problems are benign and easily treated by family physicians, the new clinic at St. Paul's Hospital will offer a one-stop treatment centre that will join nurses, physicians and specialists to help treat serious thyroid-related cases.
The clinic will offer diagnostic facilities, organize complex treatment programs and provide educational resources to help patients understand their condition.
While thyroid cancer is usually highly treatable -- and curable -- research shows that the number of cases of thyroid cancer has more than doubled since 1996. Thyroid cancer is the eight most prevalent form of cancer and most commonly affects women.
Experts say better detection methods may be one of the reasons why we're seeing increasing rates of the cancer.
The thyroid is a gland located near the voice box. It makes hormones that help control metabolism, and other functions, such as regulating energy supply, muscle strength and bodyweight.
Patients can access this clinic through a referral from their general practitioner or other physicians.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Dr. Rhonda Low
