Patient perception of receiving a thyroid cancer diagnosis

[helvella]

I know nothing about this subject but am well aware that quite a number of members have gone through this.

From at least some posts, it appears that a major issue is the prospect of poor long-term treatment - as in getting or not getting adequate and appropriate thyroid hormones. Including, of course, liothyronine (T3) and desiccated thyroid.

Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2021 Oct 1;28(5):533-539.

doi: 10.1097/MED.0000000000000655.

Patient perception of receiving a thyroid cancer diagnosis

Catherine B Jensen 1 , Susan C Pitt 2 3

Affiliations

• PMID: 34468403

• DOI: 10.1097/MED.0000000000000655

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review describes the current state of the literature on patients' perceptions of receiving a diagnosis of thyroid cancer. The evaluation progresses from people's understanding about thyroid cancer in general to the lived experiences of those receiving an initial diagnosis or one of recurrence. The implications on patients' quality of life and treatment decisions are also discussed.

Recent findings: Receiving a diagnosis of thyroid cancer often elicits intense and immediate emotions of shock and fear evoked by the word 'cancer,' which may be related to lack of knowledge about thyroid cancer specifically. Describing thyroid cancer as the 'good cancer' in an attempt to reassure patients is not necessarily reassuring and can inadvertently minimize the impact of a patient's diagnosis. Fear and worry about cancer in general and the possibility for recurrence contribute to lasting psychological distress and decreased quality of life. Patients' perceptions of their diagnosis and resulting emotional reactions influence treatment decision-making and have the potential to contribute to decisions that may over-treat a low-risk thyroid cancer.

Summary: Understanding patients' experience of receiving a thyroid cancer diagnosis is critical because their emotional reactions can have a profound impact on treatment decision-making and quality of life.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/344...

[janeroar]

Normally medical research doesn’t take into account the emotional aspect of illness. This research seems to completely ignore the problems that are incurred by inadequate treatment which you allude to helvella

‘Summary: Understanding patients' experience of receiving a thyroid cancer diagnosis is critical because their emotional reactions can have a profound impact on treatment decision-making and quality of life’.

It’s not just emotional reactions that have impact but the treatment itself will impact on emotional states. Patients who feel cared for and treated adequately will do better both physically and psychologically.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to janeroar]

Have to say, for shock and fear at a cancer diagnosis to be recent findings made me wonder what on earth they thought before?

[janeroar in reply to helvella]

Err yes! Though to be fair some clinicians I think probably need to be informed about that !

[shaws Administrator]

Well, considering that few GPs can diagnose a hypothyroid patient, without a blood test, I doubt they even think of thyroid cancer being the cause of the patient's complaint.

I think the word 'cancer' to a patient would cause one's heart to miss some beats as it sounds like we're on our last legs due to the word 'cancer'. it must be stated that it is curable.

Excerpt from following link:-

Thyroid cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the thyroid gland, a small gland at the base of the neck that produces hormones.

It's most common in people in their 30s and those over the age of 60. Women are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop it than men.

Thyroid cancer is usually treatable and in many cases can be cured completely, although it can sometimes come back after treatment.

nhs.uk/conditions/thyroid-c...

[janeroar]

I feel for you not being given all the facts you needed

Properly informed consent depends on patients getting all the information and support they need.

[humanbean]

I've never had thyroid cancer.

I remember reading for the first time about the idea that thyroid cancer is "the good cancer", and it practically made my jaw drop.

I've often thought that doctors are people with no social skills who simply don't have a clue how real people think and how emotions work.

[Audley1013]

My doctor did not even do it in person. She called. Granted in was during the pandemic but, still. You would think it would be face to face or face mask to face mask. Words I'll never forget. She didn't say the c word at first. She said "It's malignant. I'm sorry. But you're lucky. It the good cancer to get. Goodbye." No "are you okay?" No "do you have somebody to talk to?" No "Do you have any questions?. That was it. Phone just in hand, stunned in solitary silence.

[pennyannie in reply to Audley1013]

Sending a hug :

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Audley1013]

Some time ago, I previously posted about the "good cancer" phrase being unacceptable (in exactly this context).

I know we are all different, but avoiding the C word by casually throwing in the M word really doesn't help. It's not as if we are totally ignorant. I imagine I'd rather have it delivered in plain, clear language, even if it hits hard, but by someone who can summon up a bit of humanity.

[Hidden in reply to helvella]

Well said.