The Impact of Thyroid Cancer and Post-Surgical Radioactive Iodine Treatment on the Lives of Thyroid Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

BackgroundAdjuvant treatment with radioactive iodine (RAI) is often considered in the treatment of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC). We explored the recollections of thyroid cancer survivors on the diagnosis of WDTC, adjuvant radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment, and decision-making related to RAI treatment. Participants provided recommendations for healthcare providers on counseling future patients on adjuvant RAI treatment.MethodsWe conducted three focus group sessions, including WDTC survivors recruited from two Canadian academic hospitals. Participants had a prior history of WDTC that was completely resected at primary surgery and had been offered adjuvant RAI treatment. Open-ended questions were used to generate discussion in the groups. Saturation of major themes was achieved among the groups.FindingsThere were 16 participants in the study, twelve of whom were women (75%). All but one participant had received RAI treatment (94%). Participants reported that a thyroid cancer diagnosis was life-changing, resulting in feelings of fear and uncertainty. Some participants felt dismissed as not having a serious disease. Some participants reported receiving conflicting messages from healthcare providers on the appropriateness of adjuvant RAI treatment or insufficient information. If RAI-related side effects occurred, their presence was not legitimized by some healthcare providers.ConclusionsThe diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer significantly impacts the lives of survivors. Fear and uncertainty related to a cancer diagnosis, feelings of the diagnosis being dismissed as not serious, conflicting messages about adjuvant RAI treatment, and treatment-related side effects, have been raised as important concerns by thyroid cancer survivors.

Experiences of patients with laryngectomies as they reintegrate into their community

“…These themes are well documented in the existing cancer literature [20,22] The discussion will focus on the themes that are unique to patients with laryngectomies.…”

“…The literature does not describe the immense adaptation this adjustment requires to cope in everyday life. There is a related concept of overcoming supported by previous research involving patients dealing with cancer diagnoses [20].…”

Measurement and Variation in Estimation of Quality of Life Effects of Patients Undergoing Treatment for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

“…Quality of life research has primarily focused on the physical side effects, and prospective, longitudinal data during the course of treatment are lacking (14)(15)(16). Neuropsychometric surveys have reported a decrement to quality of life for up to five years following treatment, on par with other cancers carrying worse prognoses (17)(18)(19).…”

Lebensqualität und psychische Belastungen von Schilddrüsenkrebspatienten

“…Sie sehen eine für sie folgenreiche Diagnose häufig trivialisiert und fühlen sich mit somatischen Beschwerden sowie Sorgen und Ängsten nicht ernstgenommen. Der Versuch der Entlastung des Patienten durch die häu-fig gebrauchte Bezeichnung "guter Krebs" wird eher befremdlich oder sogar abwertend erlebt und ist nicht dafür geeignet, die Krankheitsverarbeitung zu unterstüt-zen [8,23].…”