5. Rise in Incidence, but Not Mortality: The Paradox of Thyroid Cancer
Over the past few decades, an interesting trend has been observed in thyroid cancer epidemiology. There has been a sharp rise in the incidence of thyroid cancer globally, but the mortality rate has remained relatively stable. This paradox has intrigued researchers and clinicians alike.
One explanation for this trend is the increased use of imaging studies like ultrasound, CT, and MRI scans. These technologies can detect small thyroid nodules that may have been unnoticed in the past. Hence, this ‘overdiagnosis’ is thought to contribute significantly to the increasing incidence of thyroid cancer.
Despite the increasing diagnosis, the stable mortality rate suggests that most of these newly detected cancers are likely slow-growing and non-aggressive. The majority of them, especially those less than 1 cm in size (often termed ‘microcarcinomas’), might not impact overall lifespan.
While this seems like good news, it doesn’t diminish the seriousness of the disease. There are still aggressive and lethal forms of thyroid cancer, like anaplastic and certain types of medullary thyroid cancer, that contribute to mortality.
Unraveling this paradox encourages a balanced perspective on thyroid cancer – alert but not excessively anxious, cautious but not over-aggressive in management. It emphasizes the importance of personalized medicine and careful decision-making in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer. (5)
