Pediatric Thyroid Cancer Incidence Trends and Disparities by Race and Ethnicity

Strategic Insights -

Research investigating the temporal trends and disparities in pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) incidence in the United States from 2000 to 2022 has yielded significant findings. The study, published in PLOS One, reveals that rates of pediatric DTC have been increasing, but disparities in incidence, diagnosis, and treatment across race and ethnicity have not been fully explored. The investigation found that pediatric DTC incidence increased 4.5% annually from 2000 to 2018, but declined by 6.9% through 2022. Notably, rates of decline appeared sharpest among Non-Hispanic White patients.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) rates have been increasing in the United States, with a 4.5% annual increase from 2000 to 2018.
  • The study found significant disparities in incidence rates across race and ethnicity, with Non-Hispanic Black, Non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander, and Hispanic children being more likely to be diagnosed with larger tumors compared to Non-Hispanic White patients.
  • Incidence rates continued to increase among Non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islanders and patients diagnosed with tumors larger than 4 cm.
  • Declines in reported pediatric thyroid cancer incidence, particularly among smaller tumor sizes, after 2018 may be attributable to the application of thyroid cancer management guidelines.
  • The findings suggest that the continued increase in incidence among larger tumor sizes may support a true continued increase in incidence among some groups.

Statistics:

  • Pediatric DTC incidence increased 4.5% annually from 2000 to 2018 (95%CI: 3.8%-5.8%).
  • The incidence declined by 6.9% through 2022 (95%CI: -14.5%, -1.2%).
  • Rates of decline appeared sharpest among Non-Hispanic White patients.
  • Non-Hispanic Black, Non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander, and Hispanic children were more likely to be diagnosed with tumors larger than 4 cm.
  • Incidence rates continued to increase among Non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islanders and patients diagnosed with tumors larger than 4 cm.

Sources:

  • Evaluation of disparities in the incidence, presentation, and treatment of pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer in the United States (2000-2022). PLOS One, 2025;20(10).
  • Public Library Science (www.plos.org; PLOS One (www.plosone.org))
  • NewsRx LLC. (The citation for this news report is: NewsRx. Studies from Yale School of Public Health Describe New Findings in Thyroid Cancer [Evaluation of disparities in the incidence, presentation, and treatment of pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer in the United States (2000-2022)]. Pediatrics Week. November 1, 2025; p 784.)