The Thyroid and Cancer

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Today, we are going to be talking about the role of the

thyroid , its diseases,

Causes of dysfunction and its relationship to all forms of

cancer

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WHO AM I ?

I am a Medical Herbalist, trained in the UK, in integrated

medicine in clinics, hospitals and university

environments

I treat cancer, pre cancerous and chronic auto immune

conditions such as MS, Alzheimer's, thyroid and

women’s problems in a (w) holistic protocol, on a science

evidenced basis with plant drugs

Disclosure - No commercial ties

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WHAT DO I DO I ASSESS THE CONDITION ( DIAGNOSE ) , EXAMINE THE PATIENT, TAKE A

CASE HISTORY, COMPOUND ( PRESCRIBE ); IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF

THE PROBLEM WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF RESOLVING IT WITH PLANT

DRUGS ON AN EVIDENCED BASED BASIS.

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WHY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT THE THYROID?

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BECAUSE IT’S THE CONDUCTOR!

The Thyroid plays the music written in the Hypothalamus in the brain

The signalling hormone TSH from the brain gets converted to T4 and T3 in the gland. These hormones act on cells in all bodily tissues and can alter gene products

The hormones regulate protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism – in other words all functions and diseases within the body normally described as endocrine metabolism.

Another way is to say it regulates all fuel ( glucose ), Cells ( fats ) and DNA ( protein

In addition the cells of the parathyroid embedded in the gland regulate serum calcium levels

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BECAUSE

It is endemic in Ontario and thyroid cancer is the fastest growing type

Cancer in Ontario Overview : Astatistical report 2011

And

Most OHIP practitioners have never been educated or recognise the vital role this gland plays in human health

“ Most doctors would not consider a thyroid examination on most healthy women of a normal age in a physical exam”

Cathy Maclean Head of Dept Family Medicine University of Calgary quoted in Globe & Mail 2011 Oct 24.

‘

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PINEAL PARATHYROID PITUITARY GLANDS

These glands all closely interrelate to the thyroid

Pineal – responsible for circadian rhythms

Parathyroid- cells of the parathyroid embedded in the gland regulate serum

calcium levels in conjunction with calcitonin and Vitamin D

Pituitary – anterior and posterior

Releases prolactin ( female hormone for lactation/birth processes )

FSH/LH , ACTH, TSH, GH

Oxytocin, ADH

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PROBLEMS OF THE THYROID

HASHIMOTOS

GRAVES

IDIOPATHIC

EUTHYROID SICK SYNDROME

SUB CLINICAL FUNCTION HYPER/HYPO

NODULES

CANCER

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THE THYROID GLAND

This is a butterfly shaped gland which is wrapped around the throat, so

when it swells it has an impact on

Your throat

Your neck

Your voice cords

Your neck muscles

Your swallowing/ eating

Most common and obvious sign is goitre – turkey neck! ( very visible even

in a cursory examination of a woman! )

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OTHER SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Obesity

Carpel tunnel

Hypertension

Constipation

Palpitations

Hair loss

And lots more!

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WHAT DOES THE THYROID DO FOR YOU!?

Lets look at some of the functions of the body where the thyroid is crucial

• FERTILITY / LACTATION

• SUGAR REGULATION / DIABETES

• OBESITY/Liver function

• FEMALE HORMONE DISORDERS EG PCOS

• CARDIAC REGULATION / PALPITATIONS

• TEMPERATURE REGULATION/SWEATS

• BONE HEALTH

• OXYGENATION ( IE METABOLIC RATE )

• Anything involving steroid hormones/fat soluble vitamins.ADEK

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ENDOCRINE FUNCTIONS

Involve the hypothalamus in the brain

The pituitary gland in the brain

The thyroid and other endocrine glands

Hormones and their receptors

All in a complex pattern of vertical horizontal and diagonal axes.

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MAJOR THYROID BLOOD MARKERS

Thyroid stimulating hormone

Free T 4

Free T 3

Thyroid peroxidase

Thyroid anti globulin

Reverse T3

Each of these monitors the major stages of the hormonal signalling

process

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NEURO ENDOCRINE SIGNALLING

The body works on a complex neuro endocrine signalling mechanism i.e.

cells signal when they want to receive something and signal when the

delivery has been completed

The body is composed of major 401 type traffic highways and minor rural

roads all with parking bays, traffic lights, policemen, traffic wardens!

In the thyroid TSH converts T4 which converts to T3 which eventually

converts T3 to T2 and T1. 20% of the conversion occurs in the

thyroid gland itself and 80% over the rest of the body. When there is sufficient of say T3 then less TSH is produced on a

negative feed back loop.

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ROAD WORKS

Within the feedback loop there are various intermediate stages; blocking

any of these stages can cause dysregulation of the gland

egTSH converting to T4 can be blocked by bromine and other things.

Bromine is commonly found in imported US processed foods such as pizza

bases. It is legal in the US but not in Canada to put bromine in

processed flours. Once a product has been created it is not a legal

requirement to disclose its presence but in a country where there is

endemic sub clinical hypothyroidism in my view this is a major loop

hole Health Canada should be addressing

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CAUSES OF DYSREGULATION

DIET:

EXCESS CONSUMPTION OF GRAINS – BROMINE

LACK OF IODINE – FISH

EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION OF BRASSICAS

LACK OF BASIC NUTRIENTS – ZINC/SELENIUM

GENETIC – TRANSFERENCE OF ANTIBODIES TO THE

FETUS

VIRUSES

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DYSREGULATION LEADS TO DISEASE

Cancer, diabetes, infertility etc.

OHIP approach is to ignore the issue until it becomes acute i.e. the gland is beyond saving…….lasting damage will already have been done at this point. No prevention or long term considerations

Surgery/ ablation of the gland and prescribe thyroxine – the only drug available – for life

Side effects of thyroxine particularly in women increase with age.

Low risk thyroid cancer Overdiagnosed Overtreated Aug 28 2013

Brito JP et al BMJ

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BE AWARE

Other factors which cause dysregulation of the thyroid:

Drugs e.g. lithium, Tamoxifen

Iodide

Beta blockers, steroids, androgens, phenytoin,

Salicylates, anti depressants

Statins

Environmental agents including chemicals e.g. benzenes

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RADIATION

American Thyroid Association released policy statement for

minimising radiation exposure whenever possible June 18 2012 @

incr 3.2% annually 1996-2010 from medical imaging

An exponential growth in incidence of Thyroid Cancer: Trends and

the impact of CT imaging Hoang JK et al AJNR 2013 oct 10 PMID

24113469

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WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT?

CHANGE YOUR DIETARY LIFESTYLE

CUT THE CARBS

EAT FISH

ELIMINATE SUGAR

BE ALIVE

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WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT IT?

LOTS!

THROUGH THE USE OF MY PLANTS I CAN MAKE THE THYROID

NORMAL

I CAN RAISE /LOWER TSH, Free T4 and T3 and remove some of

the anti thyroglobulin antibodies to reduce TPO anti bodies.

WITHANIA, BLADDERWRACK, COLEUS, NETTLE, MYRRH,

BACOPA AND OTHERS ALL OF WHICH HAVE BEEN

EVIDENCED FOR THEIR EFFECT

WHEN ADMINISTERED BY A QUALIFIED MEDICAL HERBALIST.

In a truly personalised format for each person.

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TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH

Good thyroid health helps to ensure good health through out the body

For further information on more detailed workings of the thyroid for

example:

The Thyroid and Fertility please see my website

www.medicusherbis.com

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WHAT IS CANCER

IS AN METABOLIC ENDOCRINE DISEASE WHEREVER IT OCCURS IN

THE BODY DRIVEN BY INFLAMMATION

IT IS A DISEASE OF PROLIFERATION I.E GROWTH

IT IS A DISEASE OF ABERRANT CELL SIGNALLING

Cancer is only divided up into different types as this suits the surgical

approach and patenting conventional medicine.

IT IS ALWAYS A DISEASE OF PROLIFERATION AND ALWAYS DRIVEN BY

HORMONES WHERE EVER IT IS LOCATED IN THE BODY

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PRINCIPAL CAUSES OF ALL TYPES OF CANCER

Diet )

Alcohol ) 70%

Lack of exercise )

Bacteria & Viruses 20%

Iatrogenic 5%

Genetic - Brac 1& 11 mutations especially 5%

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CONVENTIONAL APPROACH

Surgery Jones in 1895 and Peeters in 2005 Journal of Surgery both

observed: Surgical removal

of the primary tumour activates

cancer Chemotherapy

Radiation

All associated with long term side effects ,

complications, reoccurrence

and poor results including diabetes

Complications of radio iodine treatment of

thyroid carcinoma Lee S, J Natl Canc Netw 2010:8(11):1277-

1287

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EVIDENCE LACKING FOR CURRENT PROTOCOLS

Increasing it is being recognised that radiation is not of benefit as it is both

an inflammatory process and destabilises DNA

BUT many hospitals have invested huge sums in radiology which have to

be justified

OHIP produces such poor pathology reports including omitting key

diagnostic markers e.g. Ki67 that any chemotherapy protocol has no

evidence of validity for the patient

Gepar Trio Trial Annals of Oncology Aug 2013

It has been known since 1895 that surgical intervention stimulates cancer

in the body.

Take charge of your own health!

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ROLE OF THYROID IGNORED UNLESS IT IS

THYROID CANCER OR MESTATISIS

Statistically 80% of women with breast cancer have at least

sub clinical thyroid disorder with outcomes worse if it is

hyperthyroidism.

In my practise it is 100% for all cancers

A large cohort study of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism in relation gynecologic

cancers Kang JH et al Obstet Gynecol Int 2013 ;2013:743721 doi

10.1155/2013/743721

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THYROID LINKS TO CANCER

Breast – hormone and lipid metabolism

Prostate - hormone metabolism

Colon – dietary metabolism

Thyroid fastest growing cancer in US and Canada

Lung – hormone metabolism

Pancreatic – carbohydrate metabolism

Liver – metabolism all types and breakdown of hormones

Bone – oestrogen, vitamin D and calcium

Leukaemia's & Lymphomas – kidneys, immunity

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THYROID CANCER

4 Main types

Papillary, Follicular, Medullary, Anaplastic

Surgery may work for papillary but no longer considered a ‘true’ cancer

No effective Chemotherapy drug for any - Soforenib

Radiation leads to:

DNA destabilisation

Increased NFKB ( inflammation )

Further tissue damage

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BREAST AND GYNAECOLOGICAL CANCERS

This type of cancer is driven by oestrogen and progesterone – steroid hormones derived from cholesterol

The ACTH hormone influences FSH/LH which stimulates thyroid hormones which in turn stimulates growth hormone, thyroid, thus influences the ovaries and the testes and further down the line oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone

Hall LC, et al. Effects of thyroid hormones on human breast cancer cell proliferation. J Steroid Biochem Mol

Biol. 2008;109:57–66.

Orai 3 is an estrogen receptor alpha regulated Ca2+ channel promotes tumorigenesis Motiani RK Faseb J 2012 Sep 19 PMID 22993197

Cancer: Thyroid circadian clock-altered in cancer? Wilson C Nat Rev Endocrinol 2013 Sept 13

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LIVER & PANCREATIC CANCERS

TSH signals the thyroid which then signals and influences the Pancreas

and in turn the liver through the production of insulin/glucagon

If the metabolism is impaired the liver is impaired as it is the site of

both the creation of cholesterol and the detoxification of hormones for

excretion

J Thyroid Res. 2011;2011:152850. doi: 10.4061/2011/152850..

Why can insulin resistance be a natural consequence of thyroid

dysfunction ? Brenta G.Department of Endocrinology, glucose

metabolism and analyze the mechanisms whereby alterations of thyroid

hormones lead to insulin resistance.PMID: 21941681 PMCID:

PMC3175696

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COLON AND LUNG

The microbiome project has shown that many cancers start

in the gut.

β-Catenin regulates deiodinase levels and thyroid hormone signaling in

colon cancer cells. Dentice M, et al. Gastroenterology. 2012

Oct;143(4):1037-47.

Metastasis squared: colon cancer spread to the pre-existing skeletal

metastasis of thyroid carcinoma. Majumder S, et al. Am J

Gastroenterol. 2012 Jun;107(6):956-7.

Preliminary study of thyroid and colon cancers-associated antigens and

their cognate autoantibodies as potential cancer biomarkers. Kiyamova

R, Biomarkers. 2012 Jun;17(4):362-71. doi:

10.3109/1354750X.2012.677476.

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KIDNEY

Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2012 Mar-Apr; 16(2): 204–213. doi: 10.4103/2230-8210.937Interactions between

thyroid disorders and kidney diseaseGopal Basu et al

There are several interactions between thyroid and kidney functions in

each other organ's disease states. Thyroid hormones affect renal

development and physiology. Thyroid hormones have pre-renal and

intrinsic renal effects by which they increase the renal blood flow and

the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Hypothyroidism is associated with

reduced GFR and hyperthyroidism results in increased GFR as well as

increased renin – angiotensin – aldosterone activation. Chronic kidney

disease (CKD) is characterized by a low T3 syndrome which is now

considered a part of an atypical nonthyroidal illness. CKD patients also

have increased incidence of primary hypothyroidism and subclinical

hypothyroidism.

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WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?

DIET

EXERCISE Dr. Lakoski 2013 American Society of Clinical Oncology Being Fit can protect against developing, dying of cancer

Comparative effectiveness of exercise and drug interventions on mortality outcomes: metaepidemiological studyBMJ 2013; 347 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.f5577

DE STRESS

The GAS syndrome – Hans Selye – Canadian

Stress is known to deplete immunity and increase the

rate of Cancer it releases pro inflammatory cytokines

which act as stimulants

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SUGAR

Warburg in 1925 deduced quite correctly that:

“Cancer has only one prime cause. |It is the replacement of normal oxygen

respiration of the body’s cells by anaerobic oxygen deficient cell

respiration”

Confirmed again in 2008 by another Nobel prize winner!

Ist calorie restriction to treat cancer randomised clinical trial approved by

Duke University Feb 2013

Use of Metformin in USA but this is not the answer!

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SUGAR

Grains translate to sugars in the body:

Sugar is inflammatory to the body ( inflammation being the key

pathological process in cancer )

Sugar provides a better less hostile environment in the gut for bacteria and

viruses to grow and live ( bacteria and viruses part of the pathological

processes of cancer )

High circulating sugar levels impede the function of the brain, liver,

kidneys, pancreas and thyroid. The receptors leading to further

biochemical processes in the body are altered.

Obesity and other concomitant diseases

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MORTALITY AND SUGAR

THE INCREASE IN MORTALITY IN CANCER HAS MIRRORED THE USE OF

PROCESSED FOODS AND INCREASED CONSUMPTION OF SUGAR

IN 1900 CANCER WAS NOT EVEN IN THE TOP 10 CAUSES OF DEATH

TODAY IN NORTH AMERICA IT IS THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF DEATH

Mortality by diet and physical activity (PA) in Women’s Healthy Eating and

living Study comparison group Pierce J et al J Oncol 25:2345 2007

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SUGAR IS WHITE SWEET AND DEADLY!*

The presence of sugar in processed foods has grown exponentially since 1900 – so has the diagnosis of Cancer

Globally, sugar consumption has tripled in the past 50 years. But, it turns out, the greatest threat to human health is one type of sugar in particular: fructose.

In the US, per-capita consumption of fructose, a common food additive there – mainly in the form of high-fructose corn syrup – has increased more than 100-fold since 1970.

Processed foods lack key nutrients. 1tsp = fruits

J.Physiol 2012 590:2485-2499 Gomez-Pinella see also Lustig / Yudkin

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BE ALIVE

AVOID PROCESSED FOODS

LOVE YOUR VEGGIES

INNOVATE AND EAT A WIDE RANGE OF FOOD STUFFS

Value moderation

ELIMINATE SUGAR FROM YOUR DIET

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WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?

LOTS!

There are many very effective herbal medicine protocols which inhibit the

development of cancer

These plants have huge amounts of science about them.

Curcuma Longa – Turmeric is probably the best known

98 metabolic pathways affected – efficacy shown against 19 cancers

“Most efficacious cancer drug is a plant “ Prof. BB Aggarwal MD Anderson

Cancer centre & University of Texas

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PLANTS

Angiogenic and proliferative effect of the cytokine VEGF in Ehrlich ascites

tumour cells in inhibited by Glycyrrhiza glabra. Sheela ML et al Int

Immunopharmacol 2006 Mar 6(3)494-8

Anti tumour properties of Boswellic acid against Ehrlick ascites cells

bearing mouse Agrawal SS et al Food Chem Toxicol 2011 Sept 49(9)

Cancer has 27 principal pathways for growth – I have plants which block all

those pathways

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OTC CAVEATS

illegal to sell a medically efficacious dose

most are not pharmaceutical grade

no evidence base / extrapolation claims

Contents /label/marketing claim

Unnecessary with a proper diet

No consideration of individual needs

Failure to address polysupplementation

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EXAMPLES OF OTC ISSUES

DO NOT USE PROTEIN POWDER WHERE THERE

ARE SUGARS – AGAVE, STEVIA, SYNTHETIC SWEETNERS,

Just because its ‘natural’ does not mean its good for you

Circulating insulin like growth factors and related binding proteins are selectively altered in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

and multiple sclerosis. Growth Hormone & IGF research Vol 17 Issue 6 Dec 2007 Hosback et al

POTASSIUM IODIDE

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REFERENCES

Some of the references used have been shown in the text

but if you want a full list please email me at

mrsmg@sympatico.ca

All references are available on Pubmed

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BE SENSIBLE

PLEASE DO NOT SELF TREAT

THE PLANT DRUGS I USE ARE NOT AVAILABLE OVER THE COUNTER

IN SOME DISEASE USE OF OVER THE COUNTER SUPPLEMENTATION IS HARMFUL.

PLEASE NOTE IT IS ADVISED, THAT ANY PLANTS MENTIONED IN THIS TALK, ARE ONLY USED UNDER PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE.

.A professional: will recognise all the issues within the body

Select herbs that will impact positively on these issues without causing problems in order to co exist with orthodox drugs,

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THANK YOU

Morwenna Given

MEDICAL HERBALIST

BA MA (Oxon) BSc m.OHA BHG AHG RH

www.medicusherbis.com

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