The psychosocial impact of thyroid cancer

Abstract

Purpose of review This review discusses the psychosocial impact of thyroid cancer diagnosis and management. It summarizes recent findings, presents management options, and briefly discusses future directions. Recent findings A thyroid cancer diagnosis and its downstream management can impact patients in a variety of ways, including contributing to distress, worry, worse quality of life, and in some cases, anxiety and depression. Racial/ethnic minorities, those with lower education, women, adolescents/young adults, and individuals with a prior mental health conditions are a few of the patient groups at greater risks for adverse psychosocial effects from their thyroid cancer diagnosis and management. Findings are mixed, but some studies suggest treatment, for example, more intensive treatment as opposed to less, may be associated with a greater psychosocial impact. Clinicians providing care to thyroid cancer patients use a variety of resources and techniques, some more effective than others, to provide support. Summary A thyroid cancer diagnosis and its subsequent treatment can greatly impact a patient's psychosocial wellbeing, particularly for at-risk groups. Clinicians can help their patients by informing them of the risks associated with treatments and by offering education and resources for psychosocial support.