ALBANY, N.Y. (Jan. 16, 2024) — January is national Thyroid Awareness Month, which raises awareness of thyroid-related diseases and thyroid cancer.

University at Albany’s Thomas O’Grady, a research assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the School of Public Health, recently led a new study on thyroid cancer risk, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology. O’Grady is available to discuss this new work, as well as thyroid health, cancer risk factors and the importance of screening.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, which is responsible for controlling critical metabolic activities that affect heart, muscle, digestive and cognitive functioning as well as bone health. Thyroid cancer is the fifth most-commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide and is the third most-commonly diagnosed cancer among women of reproductive age. Higher rates are most pronounced during women’s reproductive years.

O’Grady’s latest study is one of the largest to date investigating differentiated thyroid cancer risk in relation to hormonal and reproductive factors. Findings indicated that risk is associated with several reproductive and hormonal factors, which are thought to be reflective of exposure to estrogens and progestogens over the life course.

O’Grady is available for interview via email, phone or Zoom.

 

About the University at Albany:

The University at Albany is one of the most diverse public research institutions in the nation and a national leader in educational equity and social mobility. As a Carnegie-classified R1 institution, UAlbany and its faculty and students are creating critical new knowledge in fields such as artificial intelligence, atmospheric and environmental sciences, business, education, public health, social sciences, criminal justice, emergency preparedness, engineering, informatics, public administration and social welfare. Our courses are taught by an accomplished roster of faculty experts with student success at the center of everything we do. Through our parallel commitments to academic excellence, scientific discovery and service to community, UAlbany molds bright, curious and engaged leaders and launches great careers.

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