Abstract

Background: Thyroid cancer 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, although there is little explanation of the reasons for this. This is a longitudinal qualitative phenomenological study looking at the experience of diagnosis, treatment, recovery and follow-up.

Methods: 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. The primary data collection method was semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data was analysed through descriptive phenomenological analysis.

Results: Information provision is vital, but there were gaps in information that were identified by participants. These included thyroid-cancer-specific information, possible long-term symptoms of treatment, practical information about levothyroxine and information about psychological support. Some participants felt unsupported and had difficulty accessing specialist services including physiotherapy and language and speech therapists.

Conclusions: The unmet needs for information and support identified by this study could be most 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 the best 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.