Illness Experiences of Young Adult Thyroid Cancer Patients Receiving Radioactive Iodine Treatment
10.5388/aon.2025.25.4.195
- Author:
Hyeon Ae LEE
1
;
Sue Kyung SOHN
Author Information
1. Doctoral Student, College of Nursing, Kosin University, Busan, Korea
- From:Asian Oncology Nursing
2025;25(4):195-205
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:The purpose of this study was to comprehensively understand and explore the experiences of young adult thyroid cancer patients who received radioactive iodine therapy and to interpret the meaning of the results.
Methods:Data were collected from July to September 2024 through individual in-depth interviews with eight thyroid cancer patients who received radioactive iodine treatment. The data were analyzed using Giorgi’s phenomenological analysis.
Results:The nine components identified in this study consisted of the following: “Discovering the neglected self amid the shock of a cancer diagnosis,” “The heavy burden of cancer that is not a 'good' cancer for me,” “Revealing rather than hiding—living together with cancer,” “The unrelenting pain caused by ever-fluctuating symptoms,” “A brief respite found amid the pain of radioactive iodine therapy,” “Regret over a life diverged from that of healthy peers,” “Empathetic online peers bound by shared illness, with bonds stronger than family,” “A new healthy routine that has taken root in my life,” “A blessing in disguise—the cancer encountered in young adulthood.”
Conclusion:This research provides an in-depth understanding of the various challenges faced by young adult thyroid cancer patients undergoing radioactive iodine therapy. Based on these findings, this study is expected to serve as foundational data for developing comprehensive nursing intervention programs for young adult thyroid cancer patients, as well as for establishing policies related to financial support and job reentry.
