[The relationship of breast cancer and thyroid diseases]

A relationship between breast cancer and thyroid diseases has been postulated for many years. Several studies have demonstrated an increased risk of breast carcinoma in patients with goiter, chronic thyroiditis (hypothyroidism) or thyroid supplement therapy itself, while others have shown either a slight, nonsignificant excess or none at all. In an overview of the literature, the results were inconclusive and rather controversial in each other. Apart from the thyroid disorders mentioned above, a relationship between thyroid cancer and breast cancer also has been suggested in the recent studies. This is rather probable as a fact, but common risk factors for the two cancers have not been clarified yet and remains in future problem.