Aging-related disease risks among young thyroid cancer survivors

Abstract

Background: Thyroid cancer is the most rapidly increasing cancer in the United States, affects a young population, has high survival, and is one of the most common cancers in people under age 40. The aim of this study was to examine the risks of aging-related diseases in a statewide sample of thyroid cancer survivors who were diagnosed <40 years compared with those diagnosed ≥40 and a cancer-free sample. Methods: Thyroid cancer survivors diagnosed 1997 to 2012 were matched to up to 5 cancer-free individuals on birth year, sex, birth state, using the statewide Utah Population Database. Medical records were used to identify disease diagnoses stratified over three time periods: 1 to 5, >5 to 10, and 10þ years after cancer diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios with adjustment on matching factors, race, body mass index, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. Results: There were 3,706 thyroid cancer survivors and 15,587 matched cancer-free individuals (1,365 cases diagnosed <40 years old). Both age groups had increased risks for multiple circulatory health conditions 1 to 5 years after cancer diagnosis compared with cancer-free individuals. Survivors <40 had a higher risk of hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and nutritional deficiencies. Conclusions: Increased risks for diseases associated with aging were observed for both age groups, with younger thyroid cancer survivors having higher risks for select diseases. Impact: As thyroid cancer survivors in this study were found to have increased risks for aging-related diseases, future studies are needed to assess what can be done to reduce the increased risks of these long-term health effects.