HRQOL in Thyroid Cancer and Thyroid Tumours

Background: Most patients with thyroid cancer have a long life expectancy, and it has been assumed among health professionals that therefore the quality of life (QOL) is good. Some European studies have shown that the quality of life among thyroid cancers is worse than the general population, and almost as low as other cancer diagnoses, with a worse prognosis and a more burdening treatment. Aim: To examine prospectively the quality of life in participants undergoing diagnostic thyroid surgery and participants undergoing surgery for certain thyroid cancer. By examining both groups we wish to find answers if quality of life is affected, and if so - mostly affected by the diagnosis or the surgery itself. Methods: Participants enroll the study after informed consent, and quality of life will be assessed using quality of life questionnaires EORTC QLQ C30, EORTC THY 47 and EORTC FA12 before surgery, and 6 and 12 months after surgery. This study will form two main groups of participants; with and without thyroid cancer.