thyroid disease was not expected in the Utirik people.
Even more
important is that only very recently has information become available
from several sources that the thyroid gland, especially in children, is
considerably more sensitive te the-induction of-radiation indueed-tumors
radiationeffects than was anticipated in the past.
Taking these factors
together, we can now, many years later, explain the incidence of malignant
thyroid glands in the Utirik people.
ft this time it-is impossible we are
not able to predict whether more cases are to be expected in the exposed
members of this-the Utirik population.
Itis, therefore, of the greatest
importance that the regular medical examinations be continued in the
future.
By having regular medical exmainations, signs of thyroid disease
can be detected early and prompt treatment will avoid unnecessary
suffering on the part of the Utirik people.
For these reasons, I believe it is of great importance that the Chiefs
leaders of the people of Utirik explain to their people the significance
purpose and the importance of the regular medical exaMinations.
Conducting the medical exmainations and treating people of the islands
whenever necessary has been largely in the hands of Drs.
and during the past year, Dr.
Conard, Knudsen
Kotrady. On many occasions, the-best expert
medical advice was invited from outstanding specialists in the field, many
of whom participated in the actual medical exmainations.
MM oes:
We believe