Objective: To explore the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on self-care in thyroid cancer patients. Methods: A total of 144 thyroid cancer patients treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University from January 2022 to August 2023 were selected as research subjects. Using the random number table method, they were divided into a control group and an experimental group, each consisting of 72 cases. The control group received routine nursing intervention, while the experimental group received cognitive behavioral therapy based on standard nursing practices. The self-care ability (self-concept, self-efficacy, self-care skills, health knowledge level), coping style (confrontation, avoidance, and surrender), and quality of life (psychological function, social function, material life, physical function) of both groups before and after the intervention were compared. Results: In comparison to the pre-intervention period, the experimental group exhibited significantly higher self-care ability, quality of life, and confrontation scores after the intervention, as opposed to the control group. Additionally, the avoidance and surrender scores were lower in the experimental group than in the control group, with these differences proving to be statistically significant (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The application of cognitive behavioral therapy can enhance the self-care ability of thyroid cancer patients, aid in better disease coping, and improve their overall quality of life. This approach is deserving of further promotion.