FACTORS ASSOCIATION WITH THYROID CANCER AMONG ADULT IN AL AHSA, SAUDI ARABIA:A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Background: Thyroid cancer incidence is increasing globally, with Saudi Arabia experiencing particularly high rates. This study aimed to identify factors associated with thyroid cancer among adults in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A case-control study was conducted involving 108 thyroid cancer cases and 108 matched controls. Participants completed a comprehensive questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, medical history, lifestyle factors, and dietary habits. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for thyroid cancer. Results: Significant differences were observed between cases and controls in marital status, education level, employment status, and income (all p<0.05). Cases had higher rates of hypertension (31.5% vs 7.4%, p<0.001) and elevated cholesterol (19.4% vs 8.3%, p=0.018). Family history of thyroid disease (66.7% vs 13.0%, p<0.001) and thyroid cancer (22.2% vs 4.6%, p<0.001) were strongly associated with thyroid cancer. Dietary factors, including exclusive use of iodized salt (50.9% vs 36.1%, p=0.028) and higher sugar consumption (p=0.024), were more prevalent among cases. Multivariate analysis revealed that male gender (OR: 0.045, p=0.007) and breastfeeding (OR: 0.433, p=0.041) were protective factors, while increasing age was associated with higher risk (OR: 1.045, p=0.016). Conclusion: This study identified several demographic, medical, and dietary factors associated with thyroid cancer risk in Al Ahsa. These findings have important implications for public health strategies and clinical practice in the region, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and further research into modifiable risk factors.