Impact of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy on Thyroid Health in Sudanese Cancer Patients

This study was conducted in Khartoum State to investigate the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on thyroid hormones among cancer patients. Participants were divided into two groups: Group One consisted of individuals receiving treatment for a short duration of two months, while Group Two included those undergoing treatment for an extended period of one year. The primary aim was to evaluate the impact of these therapies on the thyroid gland and to assess the prevalence of various cancers within the Sudanese patient population. The results indicated no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the levels of thyroid hormones—Triiodothyronine (T3), Thyroxine (T4), and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)—between the two groups, suggesting that the duration of treatment may not significantly affect thyroid function. Furthermore, the study revealed that breast cancer was the most prevalent type, accounting for 22.7% of cases, followed by oral and intestinal cancers, each representing 11.4%. Notably, the findings also highlighted a greater susceptibility to cancer among women, who comprised 63.6% of the total cases, compared to men at 36.4%. These insights underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and tailored treatment approaches for cancer patients, particularly regarding the effects on thyroid health and the need for targeted interventions based on gender differences in cancer prevalence.