Lisa,
Please post the link to that study, if you can. Back in June, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. My endocrinologist told me that my form of thyroid cancer is caused by a genetic mutation that developed during my lifetime, for unknown reasons. The thyroid is a gland that secretes hormones as well. I had total thyroidectomy and one lymph node removed July 14. So now I am without colon, thyroid and a lymph node. I am wondering what will be taken out next.
There have been studies linking autoimmune disease and thyroid disorders generally, although I (unlike my mother and sister) never had any thyroid issues until the cancer was discovered. Since my diagnosis, I have been wondering about possible causative factors of the cancer that I have. In my mind, there may be some linkage with my autoimmune disorder or with the colectomy, which I had done in 1992, and thus have lived with for 23 years prior to the cancer diagnosis.
I am currently on a low iodine diet, slated for radioactive iodine treatment on September 16, followed by a whole body scan on September 23.
My paternal Grandmother died of pancreatic cancer at age 64. That was the only cancer death in my immediate family. Unfortunately, I have very vivid memories of my Grandmother and her unfortunate demise, as I was very close to her and she was my weekend daycare provider as a child up until when she died.
I wish you the best in dealing with your pancreatic issue.