Christel Hedman1,2, Therese Djärv3, Peter Strang4,2, Catharina Ihre Lundgren1. 1. a Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden ; 2. d Stockholms Sjukhem Foundation , Stockholm , Sweden. 3. b Department of Medicine , Solna, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden ; 4. c Department of Oncology-Pathology , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden ;
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has an excellent prognosis and a low incidence of recurrence, lifelong follow-up and medication might be needed. The aim of this study was to clarify how living with a cancer diagnosis for many years affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in DTC patients in Sweden. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From the national all-encompassing population-based Swedish Cancer Registry, 353 patients diagnosed with DTC between 1995 and 1998 were identified and invited to answer the HRQoL questionnaire SF-36 and a study-specific questionnaire, 14-17 years after their diagnosis. Data were compared with a reference population as well between subgroups of patients. RESULTS: Of the patients with DTC, 279 (79%) answered the questionnaires. In all, only 19 (7%) reported a recurrence, however, as many as 134 (48%) stated that they still had concerns about having a recurrence. The HRQoL in those with a recurrence was significantly lower than those without concerns of a recurrence in five of eight domains (p < 0.001-0.049). Similarly, patients with concerns of a recurrence reported poorer HRQoL than those without concerns, with significantly lower values in five domains (p < 0.001-0.008). Those few who stated that their disease had given them a negative view on life reported poor HRQoL in all eight domains (p < 0.001-0.030). CONCLUSIONS: Even if DTC comes with an excellent prognosis, almost half of the patients, fully 15 years after diagnosis, worried about a recurrence which negatively impacted their HRQoL. Awareness among healthcare practitioners might improve information, supportive care and, in the end, the patient's HRQoL.
BACKGROUND: Although differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has an excellent prognosis and a low incidence of recurrence, lifelong follow-up and medication might be needed. The aim of this study was to clarify how living with a cancer diagnosis for many years affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in DTC patients in Sweden. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From the national all-encompassing population-based Swedish Cancer Registry, 353 patients diagnosed with DTC between 1995 and 1998 were identified and invited to answer the HRQoL questionnaire SF-36 and a study-specific questionnaire, 14-17 years after their diagnosis. Data were compared with a reference population as well between subgroups of patients. RESULTS: Of the patients with DTC, 279 (79%) answered the questionnaires. In all, only 19 (7%) reported a recurrence, however, as many as 134 (48%) stated that they still had concerns about having a recurrence. The HRQoL in those with a recurrence was significantly lower than those without concerns of a recurrence in five of eight domains (p < 0.001-0.049). Similarly, patients with concerns of a recurrence reported poorer HRQoL than those without concerns, with significantly lower values in five domains (p < 0.001-0.008). Those few who stated that their disease had given them a negative view on life reported poor HRQoL in all eight domains (p < 0.001-0.030). CONCLUSIONS: Even if DTC comes with an excellent prognosis, almost half of the patients, fully 15 years after diagnosis, worried about a recurrence which negatively impacted their HRQoL. Awareness among healthcare practitioners might improve information, supportive care and, in the end, the patient's HRQoL.
Authors: Maria Papaleontiou; David Reyes-Gastelum; Brittany L Gay; Kevin C Ward; Ann S Hamilton; Sarah T Hawley; Megan R Haymart Journal: Thyroid Date: 2019-07-25 Impact factor: 6.568
Authors: Debbie W Chen; David Reyes-Gastelum; Lauren P Wallner; Maria Papaleontiou; Ann S Hamilton; Kevin C Ward; Sarah T Hawley; Brian J Zikmund-Fisher; Megan R Haymart Journal: Cancer Date: 2019-12-23 Impact factor: 6.921
Authors: Susan C Pitt; Megan C Saucke; Elizabeth M Wendt; David F Schneider; Jason Orne; Cameron L Macdonald; Nadine P Connor; Rebecca S Sippel Journal: Thyroid Date: 2020-11-04 Impact factor: 6.568