University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) researcher Rebecca Cunningham, PhD, is creating a database for thyroid cancer survivors to help them better understand iodine-restrictive diets.
Because thyroid cells absorb and concentrate iodine, many patients ingest radioactive iodine to eliminate remaining thyroid tissue after surgery. Preceding the surgery, a low-iodine diet is necessary—and that is where many patients fail to understand their food options.
"A lot of people don't understand what their options are in food, so many will starve and do fruits and vegetables and nuts, and they won't eat anything else for those two to four weeks,” Cunningham said. “You hear them dropping 20-30 pounds, which isn't necessary."
From sharing her own story of thyroid cancer survival to creating an online community called the Low Iodine Diet (LID) Life Community, Cunningham discusses her journey with NBC 5–KXAS.
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As a senior news writer for TriMed, Subrata covers cardiology, clinical innovation and healthcare business. She has a master’s degree in communication management and 12 years of experience in journalism and public relations.