Thyroid Cancer Incidence and Trends in United States and Canadian Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adults

Abstract

Thyroid cancer rates have been rising in North America, but most research has focused on adult patients. This study examines trends in thyroid cancer among pediatric, adolescents, and young adults (PAYA) in the United States and Canada. Using a comprehensive North American cancer registry, we found that thyroid cancer incidence increased by 137% from 1995 to 2014, with significant rises across all age groups. The increase was most pronounced in young White females and was highest for papillary thyroid cancer. Our findings suggest that overdiagnosis from thyroid ultrasound and incidental findings from other imaging are occurring, but other factors could be contributing to the rise. These results highlight the need for continued epidemiological monitoring and further research to understand the drivers of thyroid cancer incidence in young populations.