Abstract

Introduction
Thyroid cancer is the most common thyroid neoplasia. It is a comparatively uncommon and
low-mortality cancer. However, it is predicted that its prevalence will rise by 74% in the UK by
2035. The literature suggests that the psychosocial quality of life of patients can be negatively
affected by thyroid cancer (Sawka et al., 2009; Jeong et al., 2015; Vega-Vasquez et al., 2015),
although there is little explanation of the reasons for this. Existing studies are mainly
quantitative and do not thoroughly explore the factors that impact people's experiences.
Methods
This is a qualitative phenomenological study looking at the lived experience of patients during
and after their treatment for well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Twenty-five thyroid cancer
patients, within four years of diagnosis, were recruited from the Northern Centre for Cancer
Care at the Freeman Hospital, and from the charity Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust. Eight
patients were interviewed within eight weeks of diagnosis and were followed throughout their
treatment journey. The remaining 17 participants were interviewed retrospectively about the
diagnosis, treatment and recovery from thyroid cancer. The primary data collection method was
semi-structured in-depth interviews. All interviews were recorded and translated verbatim. They
were then coded using NVivo and analysed with descriptive phenomenological analysis.
Findings
The diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer affect many aspects of patient’s lives. Their
psychological health, physical health, relationships, employment, and finances can be impaired.
The exploration of hospital care and treatment yielded many important insights into the lived
experiences of patients. Participants in this study had both positive and negative experiences of
care and treatment. Factors that made the experience positive were compassionate and
professional care from health care professionals, as well as having manageable physical side
effects after surgery and during recovery. The opposite can impact the experience in a negative
way. Isolation and loneliness can be major difficulties at many stages of treatment, particularly
when being treated with radioactive iodine. Information provision is vital, but there were gaps
in information that were identified by participants. These included possible long-term symptoms
of treatment, practical information about levothyroxine and information about psychological
support. Anxiety and fear were widespread among participants.
Conclusion
The unmet needs for information and support identified by this study could be effectively met if
each centre providing care for thyroid cancer patients had a Thyroid Cancer Nurse Specialist or
a named key worker for patients. This person would be in a good position to fulfil most
information and support needs and to make referrals to specialist services such as psychological
therapies, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and other public sector or charitable
services