Disparities in Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcomes in Pediatric Thyroid Cancer

Pediatric thyroid cancer is rising with an estimated incidence of 1.4 cases per 100,000 children per year and favorable survival outcomes; however, certain vulnerable populations present with more advanced disease, have poorer disease-specific survival, and face disparities in treatment. The problem is complex and multifactorial, though common factors are race/ethnicity, language proficiency, socioeconomic status including income and insurance status, and access to care. The aim of this review is to illustrate the various disparities that impact pediatric thyroid cancer presentation, treatment differences, and outcomes, while also providing multipronged solutions that can help curb patient outcome differences.