The effect of thyroid dysfunction on breast cancer risk: an updated meta-analysis

Abstract

In a previous systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting associations between hyper-/hypothyroidism and breast cancer incidence published through 29 January 2019, we identified a higher risk with diagnosed hyperthyroidism compared to euthyroidism, but no association with diagnosed hypothyroidism. This 2-year updated meta-analysis aims to investigate the role of menopause in this association and the dose–response relationship with blood levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones. After the exclusion of studies with only mortality follow-up, with thyroid dysfunction evaluated as a cancer biomarker or after prior breast cancer diagnosis, we reviewed 25 studies that were published up to 01 December 2021 and identified in MEDLINE, the COCHRANE library, Embase, or Web of Science; of these, 9 were included in the previous meta-analysis. Risk estimates from 22 of the 25 studies were included in the meta-analysis and pooled using random-effects models. Compared to euthyroidism, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism diagnoses were associated with higher (pooled risk ratio (RR): 1.12, 95% CI: 1.06–1.18, 3829 exposed cases) and lower risks (RR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.86–1.00, 5632 exposed cases) of breast cancer, respectively. The increased risk after hyperthyroidism was greater among postmenopausal women (RR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.09–1.30) and the decreased risk after hypothyroidism was more pronounced among premenopausal women (RR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.53–0.89). Among women with no prior history of thyroid disease, every 1 mIU/L increase in TSH level was associated with a 0.8% (95% CI > 0–1.5%) lower risk of breast cancer. In conclusion, this meta-analysis supports an association between thyroid hormone levels and breast cancer risk, which could be modified by menopausal status.