In 2021, the Australian Thyroid Foundation released analysis to show, well over 1 million Australian are living with an undiagnosed thyroid disorder, including thyroid cancer, lower IQs, lifelong disability, and a causal or possible contributory factor – in the development of other neurological disorders such as ADHD and autism. Some of the challenges for diagnosis and treatment can be addressed by producing material for health care practitioners during patient presentations.
‘Recent statistics show well over 1 million Australians are living with an undiagnosed thyroid disorder, awareness and testing can prevent unwarranted outcomes for mothers and their babies’ says ATF CEO Beverley Garside OAM
Australia has been labelled by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as being iodine deficient, and evidenced in research in 2005-06 by Westmead Hospital and Sydney University (see 1 below)
The World Health Organisation states iodine deficiency during pregnancy and early infancy –the first 1000 days of life when development of the human brain is so critical – is the commonest global cause of preventable intellectual disability (see 2 below)
Thyroid Disorders affect all Australians of all age groups and demographics. Awareness is the key to ensuring the public and healthcare professionals do not overlook a thyroid disorder which could be affecting health and wellbeing.
– 1 in 10 Australians will be affected by some form of thyroid disorder
– 7 of the 10 are women
– Over 1 million Australians are undiagnosed
– 60,000 Australians are diagnosed each year
– Thyroid Cancer is increasing, affecting younger Australians
– Iodine Deficiency & Thyroid Disorders affect pregnancy outcomes for women of childbearing years.
As a Not-For-Profit health charity, The Australian Thyroid Foundation Ltd (ATF) mission is to offer information, education, advocacy and support to members and their families, using services provided by ATF and raise much needed awareness throughout Australia about the consequences of thyroid disease and iodine deficiency and the benefits of achieving good thyroid health.
In recent years ATF has launched campaigns aimed at reaching a number of patient types requiring treatment for the thyroid gland and thyroid hormone production. These have created some level of awareness within the public and health care professionals (HCPs).
The Australian Thyroid Foundation has lodged a Pre-Budget Submission for the Federal Budget 2024-25 to counter increasing misinformation on social media creating dietary deficiencies such as an increasing number of young women, who are planning pregnancy or already pregnant opting for plant based milks such almond, soy or oat milk coffee as an alternative to standard cow’s milk, which is a source of iodine and alternate milks do not include.
Australian Health Journal spoke with endocrinologist, Adj. Prof. Duncan Topliss AM, a Medical Advisory Board Member at The Australian Thyroid Foundation Ltd, about issues raised in the submission.
References
1. Evidence for iodine deficiency in the Australian population was derived from a national study on Australian schoolchildren in 2003-2004 in which the ATF actively participated with a large group of Australian clinical researchers. The outcome was the implementation of the mandatory iodine fortification of all salt used in the baking of bread and bread products in Australia and New Zealand.
2. Multiple studies undertaken on pregnant women have revealed that iodine intake in at least 50% of pregnancies in Australia is deficient, despite the addition of iodised salt to bread, putting the next generation of Australian children at risk of neuro-developmental disorders and lower IQ.
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South Australia prioritises preventive health
On 28th November 2024, the SA Parliament passed legislation to make preventive health a key part of South Australian health system for the first time, through a new agency aptly named Preventive Health SA.
Preventive Health SA will lead evidence-informed and innovative action to prevent and reduce the burden of non-communicable health conditions and improve health equity across the South Australia population.
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Updated handbook on chronic kidney disease management in primary care
Kidney Health Australia’s latest kidney disease guide for primary care practitioners is expected to be pivotal in slowing down the rates of kidney failure, which have doubled in the past 20 years and if left unchecked will grow by a further 42% by 2030, according to the health charity.
With specific reference to new kidney treatments and culturally safe kidney care for First Nations Australians, the 5th edition of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management in Primary Care handbook, known as the ‘kidney bible’, is a significant step-up in enabling earlier diagnosis of kidney disease for GPs and other front-line healthcare professionals.
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Values in Workplace Culture
Professor Sabe Sabesan, is the Clinical Dean of the Townsville Regional Medical Training network incorporating the Townsville Hospital and Health Services and the Townsville Clinical School of the James Cook University and the director of the department of Medical oncology at the Townsville Cancer Centre, Townsville Hospital.
The Professor recently wrote, “Workforce wellness and engagement have become buzzwords in healthcare settings since there is an intimate relationship between staff wellbeing and performance of the healthcare system. Wellness initiatives such as wellness champions and wellness committees have been set up in response to emerging workforce mental health issues. These are largely reactive rather than being proactive in addressing or preventing the root cause of mental health issues.”
