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Thyroid Cancer Epidemic Baffles Experts Worldwide
15 Nov
Summary
- Thyroid cancer rates tripled in the US from 1980 to 2016
- Incidence rose from 2.39 to 7.54 per 100,000 in men, and 6.15 to 21.28 per 100,000 in women
- Thyroid cancer remains one of the few cancers on the rise despite medical advances
According to the latest data, thyroid cancer rates have been steadily increasing worldwide, with the United States experiencing a particularly alarming surge. In the US, the incidence of thyroid cancer more than tripled between 1980 and 2016, rising from 2.39 to 7.54 per 100,000 in men, and 6.15 to 21.28 per 100,000 in women.
This rapid rise in thyroid cancer cases has left health experts puzzled, as the disease is one of the few cancers that has continued to increase despite advancements in medical technology and treatment. Sanziana Roman, an endocrine surgeon at the University of California San Francisco, notes that "thyroid cancer remains one of the few cancers that has been on the rise over time, despite advances in medicine."
The thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating the body's metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. When the cells within the thyroid gland start to grow and divide uncontrollably, they can form a tumor, leading to thyroid cancer. While most cases of thyroid cancer are curable, the alarming rate at which the disease is spreading has raised concerns among healthcare professionals.
