Aging-Related Disease Risks among Young Thyroid Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Background Thyroid cancer is the most rapidly increasing cancer in the U.S., affects a young population, has high survival, and is one of the most common cancers in people under age 40. The aim of this study was to examine the risks of aging-related diseases in a statewide sample of thyroid cancer survivors who were diagnosed <40 years compared to those diagnosed ≥40 and a cancer-free sample. Methods Thyroid cancer survivors diagnosed 1997-2012 were matched to up to 5 cancer-free individuals on birth year, sex, birth state, using the statewide Utah Population Database. Medical records were used to identify disease diagnoses stratified over three time periods: 1-5, >5-10, and 10+ years after cancer diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) with adjustment on matching factors, race, BMI, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. Results There were 3,706 thyroid cancer survivors and 15,587 matched cancer-free individuals (1,365 cases diagnosed <40 years old). Both age groups had increased risks for multiple circulatory health conditions 1-5 years after cancer diagnosis compared to cancer-free individuals. Survivors <40 had a higher risk of hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and nutritional deficiencies. Conclusions Increased risks for diseases associated with aging were observed for both age groups, with younger thyroid cancer survivors having higher risks for select diseases. Impact As thyroid cancer survivors in this study were found to have increased risks for aging-related diseases, future studies are needed to assess what can be done to reduce the increased risks of these long-term health effects.

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