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Risk factors for thyroid cancer: an epidemiological review focused on nutritional factors

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Abstract

Objectives

The present review summarizes epidemiological evidence on risk factors for thyroid cancer (TC), in particular, nutritional factors.

Methods

Searches of articles on the issue were conducted using MEDLINE.

Results

Exposure to ionizing radiation, particularly during childhood, is the best-established risk factor for TC. There is also a strong association with history of benign nodules/adenoma or goiter. Iodine deficiency may induce an increasing incidence of benign thyroid conditions, but very high iodine intake also affects thyroid function and, possibly, TC risk. Among dietary factors, fish—the major natural source of iodine in human diet—is not consistently related to TC risk. High intake of cruciferous vegetables shows a weak inverse association with TC. Among other food groups, vegetables other than cruciferous are the only food group showing a favorable effect on TC, with an approximate 20% reduction in risk for subjects with the highest consumption. No effect on TC risk of alcohol, coffee, or other food-groups/nutrients emerged. Height and weight at diagnosis show a moderate positive association with TC risk.

Conclusion

At present, the only recognized measures for reducing TC risk is to avoid ionizing radiation and iodine deficiency, particularly in childhood and young women, and to increase vegetable consumption.

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Acknowledgment

The author wishes to thank Dr C. Braga for her helpful comments and Mrs L. Mei for editorial assistance.

Financial support

This work was conducted with the contribution of the Italian Association for Cancer Research. The work of this paper was undertaken while CLV was a Senior Fellow at the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Conflicts of interests

None declared.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unità di Epidemiologia e Biostatistica, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Via F. Gallini 2, Aviano (PN), 33081, Italy

    Luigino Dal Maso

  2. Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri”, Milan, Italy

    Cristina Bosetti & Carlo La Vecchia

  3. Istituto di Statistica Medica e Biometria “G. A. Maccacaro”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy

    Carlo La Vecchia

  4. International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon Cedex, France

    Silvia Franceschi

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  1. Luigino Dal Maso
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Correspondence to Luigino Dal Maso.

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Dal Maso, L., Bosetti, C., La Vecchia, C. et al. Risk factors for thyroid cancer: an epidemiological review focused on nutritional factors. Cancer Causes Control 20, 75–86 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-008-9219-5

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