Related Links

If you’re interested in learning more about the increasing thyroid cancer rate, follow the trail of evidence below. The compact guide will show you what we uncovered and it can point you toward sources to answer your own questions. The links will connect you to experts in the field, the latest research examining potential causes of the disease, and also support groups and organizations that can help thyroid cancer survivors.

Cancer Statistics and Data

National Cancer Institute: SEER Cancer Statistics Review 1975-2006
Trends in SEER incidence and U.S. Mortality using the Joinpoint Regression Program. SEER 9 Delayed-adjusted incidence, 1975-2006, both sexes, all races. Average Annual Percentage Change (data used for graphics):
Breast
Colon and rectal
Corpus uteri (Uterine)
Kidney and renal pelvis
Leukemia
Lung and bronchial
Melanoma of the skin
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Oral cavity and pharynx
Ovarian
Pancreas
Prostate
Stomach
Thyroid
Urinary bladder

SEER Incidence and U.S. Mortality Trends by Primary Cancer Site and Sex
All Races,1997-2006. Average Percent Change

Centers for Disease Control/National Cancer Institute State Cancer Profiles
Databases provide rate and trend comparisons, death rates, incidence rates, 5-year rate changes, historical trends, comparative data display, interactive maps for states and counties within a state.

Center for Disease Control, National Program of Cancer Registries

Researchers

Ries, Lynn : Editor, NCI Cancer Statistics Review                                                                     
Ron, Elaine : Senior Investigator, NCI Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics                    
Zoeller, R. Thomas : Professor, Univ. of Massachusetts Amherst

Endocrinologists

Burman, Kenneth : Endocrinology Chief, Washington Hospital Center, Georgetown Medical School 
Sipos, Jennifer : Endocrinologist, Ohio State University Medical Center
Smallridge, Robert : Chair Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville   
Tuttle, Michael : Endocrinologist, Memorial Sloane-Kettering Cancer Center

Recent thyroid-related studies

Rising Thyroid Cancer Incidence in the United States, 1980-2005.  Study published March 2009 proves medical surveillance and more sensitive diagnostic procedures do not completely explain the increases in thyroid cancer rates and that more investigation into causes is warranted.

Medical community’s prior belief the increasing rate did not reflect a true increase in thyroid cancer but rather was a reflection of better diagnostic tools.

Observing the role genes play in thyroid cancer patients.

Women are three times more likely than men to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer: reproductive factors examined.

Study examines increased use of CT-scans.

Obesity and increase in body mass index and height examined.

Effect of environmental pollutants on the thyroid and debate over whether the chemicals are cancer-causing agents. Study examining polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins and furans .

Centers for Disease Control and Food and Drug Administration studies on perchlorate .

Environmental Protection Agency study: Perchlorate Environmental Contamination: Toxicological Review and Risk Characterization.

Boston University studies find perchlorate contamination not in high enough concentrations to affect thyroid functioning.

Thyroid cancer and radioactive I-131 fallout from nuclear testing

NCI Radioactive Iodine-131 from Fallout Web page
Users can calculate risk for developing thyroid cancer as a result of I-131 fallout from Nevada Test Site bombs.

Dept. of Health & Human Services, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: Radiation Exposure from Iodine 131.

Fallout from Nuclear Weapons Tests and Cancer Risks. Steven L. Simon, André Bouville and Charles E. Land.

National Institute of Health guidelines for potassium iodide (KI) distribution. Taking KI within one to two hours after internal contamination with I-131 can block more than 90% of the radioactive iodine uptake by the thyroid.

Organizations, support groups and clinical trials

American Cancer Society
American Thyroid Association
National Cancer Institute
Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association