In January, the Network Celebrates…
Glaucoma Awareness Cervical Cancer Awareness Thyroid Awareness
The best science, stories, and strategies related to this month’s national health themes. Check back throughout the month for new additions.
Glaucoma Awareness
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve. Glaucoma can occur at any age but is more common in older adults. It is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60.
- Action Alert! January is Glaucoma Awareness Month – According to preventblindness.org, More than 2.8 million Americans over 40 have Glaucoma – and nearly half don’t know it. Why? Because Glaucoma is often asymptomatic until vision is irreparably lost. Learn how to raise awareness about Glaucoma screening and treatment this January.
- Glaucoma FAQs – What exactly is glaucoma? How does it lead to loss of vision? What treatments are available to prevent or slow vision loss? Learn the answers to all these questions and more from the American Glaucoma Society.
- Common Glaucoma Symptoms – Learn about the five different types of glaucoma, some early symptoms, and when to see a doctor.
- Glaucoma Treatment and Screenings – Learn how to get an official glaucoma diagnosis and the treatment options available as of 2024.
- The Low Vision Fact Sheet Library – The latest treatment and technology, how to get financial assistance for eye care and more.
- Disability Benefits and Glaucoma – Know your rights and entitlements.
- Glaucoma Virtual Community Support Groups – The Glaucoma Research Foundation has gathered a list of virtual support groups here.
- Glaucoma Stories – Hear from real people living with glaucoma.
Further Reading - News and Recent Articles
- FDA approves implant for glaucoma
- Atlanta ophthalmologists use telehealth to treat veterans with glaucoma
- Glaucoma Awareness Month highlights ‘sneak thief of sight’
- Know the Facts About Glaucoma
- Contact lenses monitor eye pressure for glaucoma prevention
- IU researchers aim to develop a new therapy for glaucoma
Cervical Cancer Awareness
According to the CDC, about 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year in the US, and about 4,000 women die of this cancer annually. But unlike many other cancers, cervical cancer is easily screened for, and largely preventable.
- Action Alert! January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month – Learn what you can do to raise awareness and work towards total eradication of cervical cancer in your lifetime from the National Cervical Cancer Coalition
- Cervical Cancer 101 from Cervivor.org – Learn the Cervical cancer basics and how to prevent it altogether from Cervivor.org, one of the Network’s trusted nonprofit partners.
- Cervical Cancer Stages and Treatment – Learn about the four stages of cervical cancer and all the treatments available in 2024.
- HPV Vaccine FAQs – HPV infection leads to the vast majority of cervical cancer cases. Learn how and when to get vaccinated against HPV here.
- Cervical Cancer Stories – Hear from real women living with cervical cancer.
Further Reading - News and Recent Articles
- A blueprint for the total elimination of cervical cancer.
6 cervical cancer myths. - Q&A: US cervical cancer screening, treatment, at-home HPV tests
- Advanced Stage Cervical Cancer Cases on the Rise
- US Lawmakers Should Protect Vaccination Mandates, Sex Ed in Schools
- Cervical Cancer: 7 Surprising Facts
- Merck’s Keytruda combo gets FDA nod for expanded use in cervical cancer
- Cervical cancer screening recommendations
- HPV Vax Tied to Lower Odds of Cervical Lesion Progression
- Cervical Cancer Is on the Rise in Millennial Women
- A blueprint for elimination of cervical cancer
- Confusion about insurance coverage for cervical cancer screenings contributes to missed screening
- Cervical cancer and HPV — what’s the connection?
- Q&A: US cervical cancer screening, treatment, at-home HPV tests
Thyroid Awareness
The thyroid is a hormone-producing gland that regulates the body’s metabolism—the rate at which the body produces energy from nutrients and oxygen—and affects critical body functions, such as energy level and heart rate. According to the American Thyroid Association, More than 12% of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime. An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease right now, and over half of them are unaware of their condition.
- Action Alert! January is Thyroid Awareness Month – Learn more about the thyroid and how to observe here.
- Thyroid Disorders 101 – Thyroid disorder symptoms depend on whether the thyroid is under- or over-producing hormones. Some thyroid issues are autoimmune ― they are due to the body’s immune system attacking the thyroid gland. Learn about the different types of possible thyroid disorders from Johns Hopkins.
- Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid) – Causes, symptoms, treatment, and outlook for hyperthyroidism.
- Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid) – Causes, symptoms, treatment, and outlook for hypothyroidism.
- Resources for Patients With Thyroid Disease – The American Thyroid Association has put together a list of trusted and vetted patient organizations.
- Thyroid Stories – Hear from real patients living with various thyroid diseases.
Further Reading - News and Recent Articles
- Early life stress in women with autoimmune thyroid disorders.
- Studies suggest inappropriate use of thyroid ultrasounds.
- Study shows thyroid cancer is more common among transgender female veterans.
- HPV infection linked to doubled risk of thyroid cancer
- Promising PET scanner tool developed for rare medullary thyroid cancer
- Radiofrequency ablation eliminates tumor for most adults with low-risk thyroid cancer