Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 12, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring Salidroside's Molecular Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Treatment
Published on: June 9, 2023
Does hypothyroidism increase the risk of breast cancer: evidence from a meta-analysis
Bolin Wang1, Zhong Lu2, Yan Huang3
1School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China.
Purpose:
At present, the relationship between hypothyroidism and the risk of breast cancer is still inconclusive. This meta-analysis was used to systematically assess the relationship between hypothyroidism and breast cancer risk, and to assess whether thyroid hormone replacement therapy can increase breast cancer risk.
Methods:
The relevant articles about hypothyroidism and the risk of breast cancer were obtained on the electronic database platform. Relevant data were extracted, and odd ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were merged using Stata SE 12.0 software.
Results:
A total of 19 related studies were included in the meta-analysis, including 6 cohort studies and 13 case-control studies. The results show that hypothyroidism was not related to the risk of breast cancer (odd ratios = 0.90, 95% CI 0.77-1.03). In the European subgroup, we observed that patients with hypothyroidism have a lower risk of breast cancer(odd ratios = 0.93, 95% CI 0.88-0.99). Furthermore, no significant correlation was observed between thyroid hormone replacement therapy and the risk of breast cancer. (odd ratios = 0.87, 95% CI 0.65-1.09).
Conclusion:
Hypothyroidism may reduce the risk of breast cancer in the European population, and no significant correlation was observed between hypothyroidism and breast cancer risk in non-European populations. Due to the limited number of studies included, more large-scale, high-quality, long-term prospective cohort studies are needed.
Related Concept Videos
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
Cancer Prevention
Some...
Functions of Thyroid Hormones
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

