Thyroid cancer: is the incidence rise abating?

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to determine recent trends in thyroid cancer incidence rates and to analyze histopathological characteristics and geographical distribution.MethodsHistologically proven 5367 cases were collected over the period 1998–2006 in France from the Rhône-Alpes thyroid cancer registry. Geographical variations of incidence were analyzed using a mixed Poisson model.ResultsThe average incidence rates, age standardized to the world population, were 3.9/100 000 in men and 12.3/100 000 in women, higher than those previously reported in France. After an initial increase during the first 3 years, a steady level of incidence was observed for the period 2001–2006. The annual incidence rate of microcarcinomas was correlated with that of all cancers in men and women (r=0.78 and 0.89; P