Management of thyroid cancer: results from a German and French patient survey

Objective Various national and international guidelines for the management of thyroid cancer exist. The aim of this survey was to evaluate whether patients experience differences regarding the management of thyroid cancer in Germany and in France. Methods An online survey addressing diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, and information needs of thyroid cancer survivors was set up by the German and the French nationwide thyroid cancer self-help organizations. The survey consisted of up to 70 questions depending on the given answers. Descriptive statistics and univariate comparisons, if appropriate, for comparing thyroid cancer survivors in Germany and France were performed. Results In total, 1254 thyroid cancer survivors took part in the survey, of whom 1005 were included in the analysis, 618 from Germany and 387 from France. Remarkable differences between the two countries were observed regarding waiting times, diagnostics, surgical complications, radioiodine treatment, and aftercare of the patients. A high disease burden and lack of information regarding the condition and its treatment were reported in both countries. Conclusion This large survey showed that despite various guidelines for the management of thyroid cancer, thyroid cancer survivors’ experiences are noticeably different between two big European countries. Lack of information and unmet needs are still tasks to be addressed in order to optimize thyroid cancer care.