Quality of life and distress of patients with thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer is usually associated with an excellent outcome. High survival rates and minor treatment-related side effects often lead to the conclusion that the patients' psychosocial competence and quality of life are preserved. This article presents the psychosocial concerns of thyroid cancer patients, treatment needs and quality of life issues. There is increasing evidence that thyroid cancer patients suffer from a range of persistent quality of life impairments, such as fatigue, cognitive, psychological as well as social problems and somatic symptoms. These were observed even years after active therapy. Thus, the general notion that sequelae of thyroid cancer are not severe does not fit with patient experiences who feel that a variety of care and support needs are currently neglected by caregivers. The quality of information about the disease as well as treatment and the provision of psychosocial support in particular should be increased. Being told that they have "the good cancer" often entails the feeling of not being taken seriously. Acknowledging patient burden is a crucial aspect in the treatment. Recent studies have shown that the psychosocial distress is comparable with those of other cancer patients, such as breast cancer patients. Increasing the awareness for the different perspectives of the professional and the thyroid cancer patient on the disease is necessary for improving care and for preventing iatrogenic complications of treatment.