Thyroid cancer in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia: A population-based study (1987-1988)

Background: No population-based data on thyroid cancer exist in Saudi Arabia. This is the first population-based study describing thyroid cancer incidence in the Eastem Region. Methods: Population-based data on cancer during 1987 and 1988, was obtained from all health facilities in the eastern region. Population census for 1988 was made available. Data on cancer death were obtained from death registries. Data on thyroid cancer were expressed in terms of: relative frequency rate, crude incidence rate, age specific incidence rate, age standardized incidence rate adjusted to the standard world population, and relative age standardized incidence rate. Results: Sixty-seven cases of thyroid cancer were registered in 1987 & 1988. Relative frequency rate of thyroid cancer among Saudi females, 7.1%, was significantly higher than among Saudi males, 1.3%. Mean age of Saudi females in years, 40.1, was significantly lower than that of Saudi males, 61.1. Age standardized incidence rate/100,000 population per year in Saudi females, 5.6, was significantly higher than that in Saudi males, 1.8, and occupied the 23rd highest rank on the international scale. Saudi males and females relative age standardized incidence rates occupied, respectively, the eleventh and sixth highest ranks on the international scale. Conclusions: Thyroid cancer in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia has a high relative frequency rate, age standardized incidence rate and relative age standardized incidence rate, particularly for females.