title: What Do Korean Women Know and Want to Know about Thyroid Cancer? A Qualitative Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite increasing debate about overdiagnosis and overtreatment of thyroid cancer in Korea, information to guide decisions on whether or not to undergo screening for and treatment of abnormal lesions of the thyroid is lacking. Moreover, studies have yet to outline what lay people know and want to know about thyroid cancer. The primary aim of this study was to explore general awareness of thyroid cancer among Korean women, their sources of information, and their satisfaction with the information they are provided. The secondary aim was to investigate information needs about thyroid cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative study using focus group interviews was conducted. Twenty-nine women were divided into four groups: (1) participants who had never undergone thyroid ultrasound screening; (2) those who had undergone screening, (3) those who continued to undergo regular check-ups with ultrasonography for benign nodules of the thyroid; and (4) participants who had undergone surgery for thyroid cancer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A widespread lack of awareness of information on thyroid cancer was noted among participants in groups 1 and 2 who were not well aware of thyroid cancer and generally recognized it as a'good cancer'. Surprisingly, instead of doctors and medical personnel, most participants reported obtaining information from acquaintances and media outlets. Moreover, most participants described dissatisfaction with their experience with screening and a lack of explanation on treatment and test results from medical personnel.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Women in Korea seek reliable information on thyroid cancer that could help them to better understand the disease and make informed decisions regarding screening and treatment. More effort is needed from medical personnel to communicate the implications of thyroid cancer, screening results, and treatments thereof to lay people.
authors.affiliation: National Cancer Control Institute, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi- do, Republic of Korea E-mail : jkjun@ncc.re.kr.
authors.forename: Bomyee
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Jae Young
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Hye Young
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: Sang Hee
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Eun-Bi
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Jisu
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yoo
authors.forename: Kui Son
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Jae Kwan
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Jun
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011379:Prognosis; D036301:Qualitative Research; D056910:Republic of Korea / Q000453:epidemiology; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*