| Abstract: ［Purpose］This study aimed to provide a reference for etiological research on thyroid cancer and the optimization of regional prevention and control strategies by analyzing the incidence trends and age-specific characteristics of thyroid cancer across Hunan cancer registration areas.［Methods］Incidence data of thyroid cancer from 2012 to 2021 were collected from Hunan cancer registration areas. The Joinpoint regression model was employed to analyze the temporal trends in the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of thyroid cancer in these areas. The annual percentage change (APC), average annual percentage change (AAPC), and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. This study analyzed the age-specific incidence data of thyroid cancer from Hunan cancer registration areas from 2012 to 2021. Python was used to generate line charts and heatmaps to explore the characteristics of its age distribution.［Results］Between 2012 and 2021, the ASIR of thyroid cancer in Hunan cancer registration areas showed a significant overall upward trend (AAPC=27.2%, 95% CI: 24.7-29.6). Joinpoint regression split this trend into three phases (joinpoints: 2015, 2019): no significant change (2012-2015), a significantly accelerated increase (2015-2019; APC=47.7%, 95% CI: 42.0-60.0), and a significant but slower increase (2019-2021; APC=19.9%, 95% CI: 8.4-32.0). Further analysis showed thyroid cancer ASIR rose across genders and regions, with higher rates in females vs. males and urban vs. rural areas. In 2021, the age distribution of thyroid cancer incidence in Hunan cancer registration areas exhibited a unimodal pattern characterized by an initial increase followed by a decrease. The peak incidence for both genders and urban—rural populations was concentrated in the 40—44 age group. Age-specific incidence rates from 2012 to 2021 indicated that the high-incidence age groups of thyroid cancer showed a tendency toward younger onset (age shift to earlier ages).［Conclusion］The incidence of thyroid cancer in Hunan cancer registration areas showed a continuous upward trend. The incidence was higher in females than in males and higher in urban areas than in rural areas. The high-risk age groups exhibited a trend toward younger age and concentration, with middle-aged people constituting the peak incidence group of thyroid cancer in Hunan cancer registration areas.
Key words：cancer registration; thyroid cancer; incidence rate; annual percentage change; Hunan |
