Being diagnosed with thyroid cancer is like entering an unknown world. You will be confronted with the demands of the disease, a new vocabulary and the complexities of the health care system. Treatment options can be confusing. This is an emotionally stressful time for patients and those close to them.

Understanding Thyroid Cancer is a comprehensive program that gives you the information you need to actively participate in your care. Learn how to talk about cancer with your health care team and those close to you. Get the answers to your questions and gain control through understanding.

What is Thyroid Cancer?
This section gives patients an important introduction to the disease. It includes a discussion of risk factors and statistics about thyroid cancer. Easy-to-understand interactive diagrams explain cancer, and the anatomy and physiology of the thyroid.

Back to top

Diagnosis
The Diagnosis section focuses on recognizing symptoms, understanding investigations and tests, staging thyroid cancer and evaluating prognosis. It describes the symptoms of thyroid cancer, the methods used to detect it (e.g., physical examination, biopsies, thyroid scans, iodine uptake tests) and the various factors that influence prognosis. Illustrative graphics and animations reveal how different stages are used to describe the extent of the disease.

Back to top

Treatment
The Treatments section discusses both treatment decision-making and the details of each of the main therapies for thyroid cancer. The primary treatment for thyroid cancer is surgery. However radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and experimental therapies are also used in various combinations to treat advanced stages of the disease. This section clearly shows what to expect from each treatment approach, providing answers to the questions: Why are these treatments used? How do these treatments work? What will happen during my visits? How will I manage my side effects? For each type of treatment, narrated 3-D animations and diagrams reinforce the key concepts. It also provides extensive information on the uses of experimental therapies and clinical trials.

Back to top

Supportive Care
The Supportive Care section focuses on the medical, psychological and social services that help patients cope with the many challenges of thyroid cancer and its treatment. The topics include managing symptoms and side effects, diet and nutrition, pain management, complementary therapies, relaxation techniques and sexuality and body image. Sections on palliative care, spiritual support, psychological support and quality of life help patients address difficult emotional issues. Information on how to get in touch with support groups and services allows patients to seek out further assistance.

Back to top

Resources
In addition to the wealth of information contained in this program, the Resources section provides references to other printed and online resources. A comprehensive glossary contains the medical terms used in the program, with clear definitions and audio narrations that teach proper pronunciation.

Back to top

Clinical Level
The Clinical Level is directed at more experienced patients. Featuring discussions of the latest research and pathology studies, it introduces users to the principles of oncology and the key issues in the treatment of thyroid cancer. With the Clinical Level advanced learners can gain the understanding and vocabulary to specify their goals and expectations and take an active role in their care.

Back to top

Interactive Learning

Anatomy Mode. Three-dimensional interactive images allow you to explore complex details of anatomy to help you understand the effects of the disease on your body.

Animations. Animations reveal simplicity in complex ideas and procedures. They demonstrate and reinforce key concepts in a dynamic, easy-to-understand format.

Patient Interviews. This section features patients and caregivers telling their stories and offering their viewpoints. This unique component offers real-life examples of people dealing with every stage of cancer and allows users to share in the experiences of others.

Back to top | See OIES™ Demo