Published online Mar 20, 2024. doi: 10.5662/wjm.v14.i1.89853
Peer-review started: November 14, 2023
First decision: November 30, 2023
Revised: December 6, 2023
Accepted: February 2, 2024
Article in press: February 2, 2024
Published online: March 20, 2024
Processing time: 113 Days and 17.8 Hours
The occurrence of thyroid cancer (TC) has increased in recent decades. Exposure to outdoor artificial light at night (ALN) is associated with an increased risk of cancer.
To investigated the impact of ALN, as a significant environmental pollutant, on TC incidence worldwide.
The assessment involved analyzing satellite ALN data in conjunction with TC incidence data [adjusted standardized rate (ASR)], while considering the quality of cancer registries (QCR), gross domestic product (GDP) per person, and health expenditure per person (HEP) for each country.
Results indicated a correlation between higher ASR and ALN exposure percentages, particularly in countries with higher GDP or HEP quartiles (all P< 0.05). Significant differences in ASR were observed across QCR levels, both high and low quality (all P < 0.05), but not in countries without registry activity. However, when evaluating ASR against ALN exposure percentages while considering GDP/HEP quartiles or QCR levels, no significant associations were found (all P > 0.10).
The findings suggest a potential link between higher GDP and adverse health conditions, serving as possible risk factors for TC, rather than a direct association with ALN. Limitations include the use of cross-sectional data, temporal misalign
Core Tip: We explored the impact of outdoor artificial light at night (ALN) on thyroid cancer (TC) worldwide. While a correlation was found between higher TC rates and ALN exposure in countries with greater economic indicators [gross domestic product (GDP) and health expenditure per person (HEP)], the association disappeared when accounting for registry quality. The findings suggest that high GDP may be more closely linked to health conditions and TC risk factors than ALN, possibly indicating a lifestyle connection to carcinogenesis. While correlations between ALN and economic factors are observed, a direct link of ALN to TC remains unconfirmed. Additionally, higher GDP/HEP could contribute to better diagnostic access, aiding TC diagnosis and registry inclusion.