Seaweed consumption and the risk of thyroid cancer in... : European Journal of Cancer Prevention (original) (raw)

Research Papers: Thyroid cancer

the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study

Michikawa, Takehiroa,b; Inoue, Manamia; Shimazu, Taichia; Sawada, Noriea; Iwasaki, Motokia; Sasazuki, Shizukaa; Yamaji, Taikia; Tsugane, Shoichiroa for the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study Group

aEpidemiology and Prevention Division, Research Center for Cancer Prevention and Screening, National Cancer Center, Tokyo

bEnvironmental Epidemiology Section, Center for Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan

Correspondence to Manami Inoue, MD, PhD, Epidemiology and Prevention Division, Research Center for Cancer Prevention and Screening, National Cancer Center, 5-1-1 Tsukiji Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104 0045, Japan Tel: +81 335 475 201 x3389; fax: +81 335 478 578; e-mail: [email protected]

Received June 30, 2011

Accepted July 1, 2011

Abstract

Iodine is a suspected risk factor for thyroid cancer. Seaweed accounts for about 80% of Japanese people’s iodine intake. We examined the association between seaweed consumption and the risk of thyroid cancer in Japanese women. Women participating in the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study (_n_=52 679; age: 40–69 years) were followed up for a mean of 14.5 years; 134 new thyroid cancer cases, including 113 papillary carcinoma cases, were identified. Seaweed consumption was assessed using a food-frequency questionnaire and divided into three categories: 2 days/week or less (reference); 3–4 days/week; and almost daily. The Cox proportional hazards model was applied to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Seaweed consumption was clearly associated with an increased risk of papillary carcinoma (HR for almost daily consumption compared with 2 days/week or less=1.71; 95% CI: 1.01–2.90; trend _P_=0.04). After stratification for menopausal status, an increased risk was observed in postmenopausal women (papillary carcinoma HR for almost daily consumption compared with 2 days/week or less=3.81, 95% CI: 1.67–8.68; trend P<0.01), but not in premenopausal women (HR=0.91, 95% CI: 0.44–1.91; trend _P_=0.76). This study identified a positive association between seaweed consumption and the risk of thyroid cancer (especially for papillary carcinoma) in postmenopausal women.