Demographic, diet, and lifestyle factors associated with risk of thyroid cancer and outcome disparities.
Principal Investigator
Name
Michael Singer
Degrees
MD
Institution
Henry Ford Health System
Position Title
Attending Faculty
Email
About this CDAS Project
Study
PLCO
(Learn more about this study)
Project ID
PLCO-79
Initial CDAS Request Approval
Apr 11, 2014
Title
Demographic, diet, and lifestyle factors associated with risk of thyroid cancer and outcome disparities.
Summary
Over the last 30 years there has been a dramatic rise in the incidence of thyroid cancer in United States among both men and women. While many believe that this increase is due to the proliferation of diagnostic studies, others argue that this reflects a true increase in the incidence of these types of cancers. A more advanced understanding of the risk factors for the development of thyroid cancer would perhaps provide greater insight into the cause of this increase.
There are certain known risk factors for thyroid cancer, including exposure to ionizing radiation and a first-degree relative with a history of thyroid cancer. However, our understanding of the possible role of other factors, such as diet, exercise, and smoking, is quite limited. Furthermore, while the majority of patients with thyroid cancer have an excellent prognosis, some patients do poorly. While standard prognostic factors, such as tumor size, do seem to impact survival other non-traditional factors such as age seem to be important as well.
By examining the participants in the PLCO cohort we aim to investigate potential risk factors for the development of thyroid cancer. Additionally we will examine the qualities of patients in the cohort to identify possible indicators of poorer prognosis. The PLCO cohort is ideally designed to provide insights on factors such as these due to its extensive data on participants' demographic, lifestyle and medical history. This research may help identify significantly at risk populations as well as associated risk behaviors.
There are certain known risk factors for thyroid cancer, including exposure to ionizing radiation and a first-degree relative with a history of thyroid cancer. However, our understanding of the possible role of other factors, such as diet, exercise, and smoking, is quite limited. Furthermore, while the majority of patients with thyroid cancer have an excellent prognosis, some patients do poorly. While standard prognostic factors, such as tumor size, do seem to impact survival other non-traditional factors such as age seem to be important as well.
By examining the participants in the PLCO cohort we aim to investigate potential risk factors for the development of thyroid cancer. Additionally we will examine the qualities of patients in the cohort to identify possible indicators of poorer prognosis. The PLCO cohort is ideally designed to provide insights on factors such as these due to its extensive data on participants' demographic, lifestyle and medical history. This research may help identify significantly at risk populations as well as associated risk behaviors.
Aims
Specific aim number 1:
Using baseline questionnaire data we plan to investigate possible associations between diet (including fruit, cruciferous vegetable, and fish intake) and the development of thyroid cancer.
Specific aim number 2:
Using baseline questionnaire data we plan to investigate possible associations between smoking, alcohol intake, and caffeine intake and the development of thyroid cancer.
Specific aim number 3:
Using baseline questionnaire data we plan to investigate possible associations between demographics, other medical conditions, diagnosis of other cancers, reproductive factors, diet, and lifestyle and poorer prognosis related to thyroid cancer.
Collaborators
Steven S. Chang, MD - Henry Ford Hospital