Endocrine Abstracts

Having access to reliable information is an essential element of the quality treatment and management of a health condition. However, all too often patients tell us they were given very little information, both at diagnosis and throughout their recovery and ongoing management. In a recent survey of 453 patients who had had thyroid surgery (54% for thyroid cancer), 31% told us they did not have enough opportunity to discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment options, 38% said they were not given contact details of who to contact with questions between appointments and only 23% told us they were signposted to patient organisations for further information and support. Having a cancer diagnosis is very frightening and is likely to lead to distress, anxiety and isolation. Much of the information available online is confusing and misleading and often risks increasing these feelings. The BTF works closely with patients and medical professionals to provide evidence-based information that is patient focussed and accessible to people of all ages. Volunteers and staff offer support through a telephone helpline and online forums provide safe spaces for patients to share their concerns and ask tips from others who have been through similar experiences. This talk will discuss the services and support the BTF can provide for your patients but will consider the unmet needs of people living with thyroid cancer and what might be done to manage them.