Although thyroid cancer is rare, its incidence has dramatically increased over the last two decades. Worldwide, the annual incidence rate ranges from 0.5 to 10 cases per 100,000 people. In the United States, over the 11 year period, between 1997 and 2007, the incidence of thyroid cancer approximately doubled from 16,100 to 33,550 per year. According to the National Cancer Institute, It is estimated that 10,000 men and 27,200 women were diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2009; 1,630 people died of it.
From 2002-2006, the median age at diagnosis for cancer of the thyroid was 48 years of age. Percentages and ages of people diagnosed with thyroid cancer during that period were approximately:
- 1.8% under age 20;
- 16.9% between 20 and 34;
- 22.0% between 35 and 44;
- 23.8% between 45 and 54;
- 16.9% between 55 and 64;
- 11.1% between 65 and 74;
- 6.2% between 75 and 84;
- 1.4% 85+ years of age.