Quality of life after thyroid cancer: an assessment of patient needs and preferences for information and support.

BACKGROUND

In this article, we describe the quality of life and central information and support needs of people with thyroid cancer. We also describes patients' preferences for services to address their needs. This report may help patients to anticipate how thyroid cancer will affect them and inform physicians on useful ways to help address their patients' needs.

METHODS

We collected data through a survey (n = 62) of people who had been treated for thyroid cancer.

RESULTS

Most respondents indicated that quality of life was quite good, and most of their information needs were adequately addressed during routine care. However, respondents also indicated a desire for ongoing access to information, including information about lifestyle factors that might affect risk of recurrence, signs and symptoms of recurrence, and recent developments in thyroid cancer diagnostics and treatments. They also reported some unmet social and emotional support needs. Respondents reported a strong preference for gaining access to information through convenient resources such as the Internet.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient care following thyroid cancer treatment could be improved by providing ongoing education about lifestyle factors related to cancer risk, disease surveillance, and resources for treating and coping with cancer. Health care providers should become familiar with local and Internet-based sources of information and support related to thyroid cancer to improve patient access to this information.