# Global burden of thyroid cancer in males: a comprehensive analysis of incidence, mortality, and risk factors from 1990 to 2040

## TL;DR

Thyroid cancer rates in men have risen globally since 1990, but deaths have stayed about the same, with big differences seen across regions.

## Contribution

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of thyroid cancer trends in males and projects future patterns up to 2040.

## Key findings

- Global male thyroid cancer incidence increased from 1.2 to 2.0 per 100,000 between 1990 and 2021.
- Mortality rates remained stable despite rising incidence, with high-SDI regions showing the most stable mortality patterns.
- Projections to 2040 suggest continued incidence increases but stable mortality, with growing uncertainty over time.

## Abstract

Thyroid cancer incidence has increased globally, with notable gender disparities in epidemiological patterns and outcomes. This study examines the global burden of thyroid cancer in males from 1990 to 2021 and projects trends to 2040.

Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, the author analyzed age-standardized incidence, prevalence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for thyroid cancer in males across 204 countries and territories. Bayesian meta-regression and ensemble modeling techniques were employed to estimate trends and generate projections.

Global male thyroid cancer incidence increased from 1.2 to 2.0 per 100,000 (EAPC: 1.78%, 95% CI: 1.64-1.92) between 1990 and 2021, while mortality remained stable (0.4 to 0.5 per 100,000; EAPC: 0.41%, 95% CI: 0.35-0.46). Significant geographical variations were observed, with high-SDI regions showing the highest incidence rates but the most stable mortality patterns. Projections to 2040 indicate continued incidence increases (2.16 per 100,000) with stable mortality (0.45 per 100,000), though uncertainty intervals widen substantially in later years.

The diverging trends between rising incidence and stable mortality in male thyroid cancer suggest substantial, particularly in developing regions. Gender differences in disease characteristics and outcomes highlight the need for sex-specific clinical approaches. These findings emphasize the importance of implementing evidence-based diagnostic practices to minimize overdiagnosis while ensuring appropriate care for advanced cases.