Professor Jatin P Shah delivered his Semon Lecture in 2006. His lecture starts by exploring how thyroid cancer has changed over the last thirty or so years. It then analyses the treatment options available and what provides the best outcomes for the patient over time. Shah then highlights the idea that we are currently diagnosing too many small tumours that have no real effect on patients at the detriment of focussing on high risk patients and their tumours. The lecture ends by delving into the new technologies that are becoming available and also looking at the most cost effective ways to deliver treatment.
Jatin Shah was born in India and after moving to America after qualifying as a doctor, has gone on to be one of the most celebrated head and neck surgeons in the world. He has lectured internationally, giving more than 1000 lectures including many prestigious eponymous lectures, written hundreds of articles and a number of books. Shah has also been appointed as President of a number of societies, including The International Academy of Oral Oncology. As a result of his contribution to head and neck cancer, the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies has established the “Jatin Shah Lecture”.