On May 1, 2020 Veracyte, Inc. (Nasdaq: VCYT) reported that the company has launched "More About You," a web-based campaign that is designed to educate patients about thyroid nodules, and empower them to both engage in conversations with their physicians and ask for molecular testing when appropriate (Press release, Veracyte, MAY 1, 2020, View Source [SID1234556902]). The campaign centers on the company’s new website, www.AskForAfirma.com, and addresses critical challenges that patients with potentially cancerous thyroid nodules experience during their diagnostic journey.

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"Our research shows that patients today have limited awareness that their thyroid nodule fine needle aspiration biopsy results may be indeterminate. This can negatively impact their ability to receive advanced testing and personalized care," said John Hanna, chief commercial officer of Veracyte. "Our goal is to help educate patients so that they can have more productive conversations with their physicians about their thyroid nodules and ensure they understand their diagnostic options, including molecular testing."

Veracyte’s new website features information about what patients can expect when undergoing thyroid nodule evaluation, what the possible results could be and what they mean. It also provides questions for patients to ask their physicians once a thyroid nodule has been detected. In addition, the site includes information about Afirma genomic testing, which the company estimates has helped over 160,000 patients avoid unnecessary diagnostic surgery or receive more informed treatment based on the genomic makeup of their thyroid nodules. Veracyte will communicate information about the campaign and website to patients and physicians via online, social media and other channels.

About Thyroid Nodules

Each year in the United States, more than 565,000 fine needle aspiration biopsies are performed to assess patients with potentially cancerous thyroid nodules. Up to 30 percent of the results are indeterminate and physicians have traditionally recommended thyroid surgery for a more definitive diagnosis. Following surgery, however, 70 to 80 percent of patients’ nodules are diagnosed as benign, meaning the surgery was unnecessary. Such surgery is invasive, costly and often leads to the need for lifelong daily thyroid hormone replacement drugs.