The impact of overdiagnosis on thyroid cancer epidemic in Italy,1998-2012

Aims: In Italy, incidence rates of thyroid cancer (TC) are among the highest world- wide with substantial intracountry heterogeneity. The aim of the study was to examine time trends of TC incidence in Italy and to estimate the proportion of TC cases potentially attribut- able to overdiagnosis. Methods: Data on TC cases reported to Italian cancer registries during 1998e2012 aged <85 years were included. Age-standardised incidence rates (ASR) were computed by sex, period, and histology. TC overdiagnosis was estimated by sex, period, age, and Italian region. Results: In Italy between 1998e2002 and 2008e2012, TC ASR increased of 74% in women (from 16.2 to 28.2/100,000) and of 90% in men (fro…