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Following diagnosis and surgery for Thyroid Cancer most patients will be asked to take T3 (thyroid hormone replacement) and will be referred to a Consultant Oncologist.
Patients living within and between the geographical areas of Bishop Auckland / Hartlepool to Berwick-upon-Tweed and Carlisle / Cumbria will normally be referred to the Thyroid Cancer Clinic at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care (NCCC) on the site of the Freeman Hospital, High Heaton Newcastle upon Tyne.
The clinic is staffed by members of the Multidisciplinary Thyroid Cancer Team which includes an Oncologist, Endocrinologist, Surgeons, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurses and Patient Thyroid Cancer Advisor (a fellow Thyroid Cancer patient).
There is a well stocked cafe area on this level for refreshments and also a comprehensive dining room in the main Freeman building which can be accessed via the main corridor.
The information contained within this section is based on the treatment protocol of the Thyroid Cancer Clinic at Newcastle upon Tyne and is based on the experience of a Thyroid Cancer patient’s journey within this Centre.
A comprehensive Guide to Radioactive (RAI) Treatment, compiled by the clinic staff, is also available.
Please be aware that the treatment protocol may differ from that of other UK Centres.
This information has been prepared by Kate Farnell (Founder, Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust), assessed and approved by both the Medical Advisor to the Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust and the Directorate Manager of the NCCC.
How to find the Northern Centre for Cancer Care
NE7 7DN
The Centre is accessed via the main hospital entrance from Freeman Road, if you are on foot follow the signs through the main hospital to NCCC.
If you are driving take the road round to the left of the main building, follow signs to NCCC, go through the security barrier and park in the multi storey car park, there is a charge to park.
There are a limited number of disabled parking spaces directly opposite the entrance to NCCC which are free.
The clinic is situated on the ground floor and is signposted from the main reception area.
Thyroid Cancer Iodine Treatment Suite
Low Iodine Diet
To ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and/or the result of the diagnostic test, we recommend a well balanced diet that is low in Iodine.
Therefore for two weeks before your appointment please follow the advice given below.
- Do eat fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, fresh and frozen meats, rice, pasta and potatoes, soft drinks, fruit juices, beer, wine, tea, coffe and soya milk, plain fats and oils (non-diary), olive oil spread, fresh and homemade bread.
- Try not to eat seafood and fish, cows'/goats' milk, cheese, ice cream, yoghurt and butter, egg yolks. Avoid food from restaurants, fast-food chains and takeaways.
- Some cough mixtures and health foods (such as seaweed, kelp, cod liver oil, vitamins and mineral supplements) contain iodine. If the label lists iodine, do no take the supplement while on this diet.
- The best way to ensure to make sure of the iodine content is to prepare your food from fresh ingredients listed in the box. Table salt and sea salt with no added iodine may be used. Please do not stop taking any of your regular medicines without speaking to your Thyroid Team.
Low Iodine Diet sheet
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