Thyroid dysfunction and cancer incidence: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to evaluate site-specific cancer risks associated with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. We performed a systematic review of observational studies reporting associations between hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism and subsequent site-specific cancer incidence, in MEDLINE and the COCHRANE library (inception-28/01/2019) (PROSPERO: CRD42019125094). We excluded studies with thyroid dysfunction evaluated as a cancer biomarker or after prior cancer diagnosis and those considering transient thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy or severe illnesses. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Risk estimates were pooled using random-effects models when ≥5 studies reported data for a specific cancer site. Twenty studies were included, of which 15 contributed to the meta-analysis. Compared to euthyroidism, hyperthyroidism was associated with higher risks of thyroid (pooled risk ratio: 4.49, 95%CI: 2.84–7.12), breast (pooled risk ratio: 1.20, 95%CI: 1.04–1.38), and prostate (pooled risk ratio: 1.35, 95%CI: 1.05–1.74), but not respiratory tract (pooled risk ratio: 1.06, 95%CI: 0.80–1.42) cancers. Hypothyroidism was associated with a higher risk of thyroid cancer within the first 10 years of follow-up only (pooled risk ratio: 3.31, 95%CI: 1.20–9.13). There was no or limited evidence of thyroid dysfunction-related risks of other cancer sites. In conclusion, thyroid dysfunction was associated with increased risks of thyroid, breast, and prostate cancers. However, it remains unclear whether these findings represent causal relationships because information on treatments and potential confounders was frequently lacking.