The most common thyroid cancer, i.e., papillary thyroid cancer, has a very encouraging prognosis. This may be due to facts that first time diagnoses were early enough to address the cancers easily and recurrent incidences were easy to cure. It is also possible that most papillary thyroid cancers were small and were unlikely to spread and grow into dangerous, malignant forms. There is another perspective that supports the opinion that smallest papillary cancers would never have grown or spread even if they were not treated as per today’s treatment protocols. It has been observed from autopsy studies that about a third of patients who died from other causes have had some form of thyroid cancer without causing them any harm during their lifetime.

For cancers, the standard measurements for survival are the 5- and 10-year survival rates. The numbers show the percentage of patients who have survived past these timelines against people who do not have thyroid cancer. Prognosis for cancers has been studied and data survival rates are constantly updated. The American Cancer Society maintains a database named SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) that collates all information that is useful and can project survival rates.

For thyroid cancers, the survival rates have been published based on data collected between 2008 and 2014 when thyroid cancer was first diagnosed. They do not represent data related to the spread (metastases) and recurrence. The data is not based on the stages of cancer, but on three parameters – localized, regional and distant – applied to the spread of the cancer cells. The following numbers are a mean of the 5-year survival rates across all three parameters:

• Papillary: Near 100%
• Follicular: 97%
• Medullary: 90%
• Anaplastic: 7%

Compared to earlier data (2010), there has been an improvement in survival rates for the first three types have improved. The numbers for anaplastic thyroid cancer has not improved. The knowledge about the disease has increased and the treatment and technology have improved resulting in better outcomes.

There most important aspect of surviving thyroid cancer is the emotions that accompany the diagnosis and the effects of the treatment on the mind and the body. What helps in most cases is to first accept the diagnosis and create a positive outlook. It is possible to get into a depression. Look out for the signs like

• Confusion and other strong emotions that make it impossible to deal with daily activities
• Losing interest in activities that are normally enjoyable and pleasurable
• Restlessness, difficulty breathing and increased sweating
• Difficulty eating and sleeping
• Thoughts of self-pity, of hurting oneself, dying or even suicide

The constant support family members, close friends, co-workers, and other close social groups can bring about a change in perspective.

It will help if the patient gets educated on all aspects of the disease. This will help in accepting the current situation and also approach the treatment with a positive outlook.

The goal of a treatment plan is to cure the disease and bring back the quality of life experienced before the diagnosis. Keeping this goal in mind is imperative; it can also help with creating a positive mindset. The effects of the treatment may result in lethargy, fatigue, and tiredness. Talking to loved ones and people involved with the treatment helps to clear doubts. After treatment, joining support groups and socializing will help keep the mind positive.

Surgery, especially total thyroidectomy may pose problems in the future. Normally, there will be little effect on daily activities. The scar on the neck will be visible. Sometimes, the voice box may be affected, but in almost all cases, this will revert back to normal, quickly.

Adopting activities such as going for walks, light exercise, getting involved with a hobby and meditation are known to help.

Finances are an important part of everyone’s lives. It is imperative to keep a keen track of the family finances, and how the cancer has impacted it. Maintain all medical records.

Thyroid cancer can happen at any time; if and when it happens it helps to be ready for any eventuality.