Thyroid Cancer Incidence and Mortality Trends in the United States: 2000–2018

Introduction: Thyroid cancer incidence has rapidly increased in the United States over the past few decades.1–7 A few recent studies have suggested a change in thyroid cancer incidence trends after 2013.6,8,9 The objective of this study was to analyze thyroid cancer incidence and mortality trends in the United States, and to assess whether incidence trends varied by histology and extent of disease. Materials and Methods: Thyroid cancer incidence and incidence-based mortality trends were evaluated using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-18 cancer registry. Cases of thyroid cancer diagnosed during 2000–2018 and thyroid cancer deaths during 2000–2018 were included. Patient consent was not required since the study did not involve human subjects. Results: Thyroid cancer incidence rates increased during 2000–2014 (Annual Percentage Change 2.58, 95% confidence interval 1.71–3.47), then decreased during 2014–2018. The incidence trends for papillary thyroid carcinoma overall, and tumors ≤1.0 cm mirrored the overall thyroid cancer trends. The incidence of tumors ≤1.0 cm decreased, whereas the incidence of tumors >1.0 cm stabilized during the most recent 4–6 years. Incidence-based mortality increased throughout 2000–2018. Conclusion: Thyroid cancer incidence rates have declined since 2014. This appears to be driven by small PTC. Incidence-based mortality rates continue to increase. These findings suggest that changing patterns in the management of thyroid nodules may have led to a decrease in diagnosis of small indolent tumors, but not more advanced tumors.10–15 No competing financial interests exist. No funding was received for this article. Runtime of video: 7 mins 36 secs