The neglected groups: Analyzing 30-year trends and global burden of thyroid cancer in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVE: Global epidemiological data on thyroid cancer (TC) among children and adolescents remain limited. This study aimed to examine the TC burden and temporal trends of TC in these age groups over the past three decades. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed the number, rates, and average annual percentage change in incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and years of life lost (YLLs) associated with TC among children and adolescents. Additionally, we investigated the associations between these indicators and the Socio-demographic Index (SDI), Healthcare Access and Quality (HAQ) Index, Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic. RESULTS: Over the past three decades, the global incidence of TC among children and adolescents exhibited an increasing trend; notably, in high- and high-middle-SDI regions this upward trajectory may partly reflect improved diagnostic sensitivity and overdiagnosis, as underscored by concurrently lower mortality. Regions with high-middle and middle SDI levels showed the highest incidence rates but lower mortality, whereas low-middle and low SDI regions experienced the most pronounced increases in incidence and higher mortality rates. National HAQ and UHC indices were positively correlated with incidence but negatively correlated with mortality, DALYs and YLLs. Female adolescents aged 15-19 years constituted the highest-risk group, showing the greatest incidence, mortality, and rate of increase. CONCLUSION: The global incidence of TC among children and adolescents increased over the past three decades, a trend partly influenced by enhanced detection and overdiagnosis in well-resourced settings. Special attention should be directed toward female adolescents and populations in low-middle and low SDI regions. Equitable allocation of quality healthcare resources is essential for addressing the growing burden of TC in these vulnerable groups.