A recent study published in JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg sheds light on a concerning trend: a significant rise in thyroid cancer cases in Pennsylvania, especially among specific groups.
Led by Darrin V. Bann, PhD, Neerav Goyal, MD, MPH, Fabian Camacho, MA, MS, and David Goldenberg, MD, the study analyzed data from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results 9 (SEER-9) registry and the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry (PCR) spanning from 1985 to 2009.
The findings reveal a notable increase in thyroid cancer incidence in Pennsylvania, with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of 7.1%, compared to 4.2% in the rest of the United States. Notably, females showed a higher AAPC than males, and certain racial groups exhibited a more rapid increase.
Additionally, the study notes an uptick in the size and stage of tumors detected at diagnosis, indicating a growing disease burden. While the exact reasons behind this surge remain unclear, the study underscores the urgent need for further investigation into the factors contributing to the rise in thyroid cancer.
These findings raise concerns about cancer risk in Pennsylvania, a state already ranking third in cancer incidence nationwide. Regions like Allegheny County, encompassing Pittsburgh, face disproportionately high cancer rates. Environmental factors, including industrial pollution, are suspected contributors to increased cancer risk.
Wendy Myers, a therapist and director of counseling at Pittsburgh’s Cancer Caring Center, shares her personal experiences with cancer, emphasizing its profound impact on her family and community. Myers stresses the importance of addressing environmental causes of cancer, particularly in industrial cities like Pittsburgh, where exposure to carcinogens is prevalent.
Polly Hoppin, a researcher at the University of Massachusetts and leader of the Cancer Free Economy Network, advocates for a greater focus on cancer prevention, especially in addressing environmental exposures. Hoppin calls for reducing the use of carcinogenic chemicals and promoting safer alternatives to mitigate cancer risk.
Despite advancements in cancer treatment, prevention efforts remain paramount in alleviating the overall burden of cancer. As Myers aptly states, taking better care of the environment is essential for taking better care of ourselves.
The study’s findings underscore the need for action from policymakers, public health officials, and communities to prioritize cancer prevention and address environmental factors contributing to rising cancer rates.