Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Thyroid Cancer in the Philippines

Thyroid cancer incidence is rising in the Philippines, warranting attention due to unique risk factors and growing economic implications. This review examines the epidemiological trends, diagnosis, treatment, impact of COVID-19, and economic burden associated with thyroid cancer in the Philippines. We conducted a literature search in Scopus and HERDIN to synthesize the existing data on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of thyroid cancer in the Philippines. Filipinos exhibit a higher prevalence of BRAFV600E mutations, and thyroid cancer is more common among females and older individuals. Diagnostic procedures include risk assessment, family history evaluation, neck examination, hormone tests, neck ultrasonograms, thyroid scans, and biopsies guided by the Bethesda System. Treatment primarily involves surgery, which is determined by risk classification and disease extent. Total or near-total thyroidectomy is recommended for most cases, followed by postoperative management tailored to individual patient factors. Anaplastic thyroid cancer may require multimodal approaches. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare access, leading to delays in thyroid cancer treatment and challenges in monitoring, prompting the adoption of telemedicine. However, the pandemic's psychological impact on thyroid cancer survivors is concerning. The economic burden remains substantial despite health insurance programs. In conclusion, thyroid cancer in the Philippines necessitates enhanced prevention, early detection, determination of risk factors, risk stratification, and treatment strategies. The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the need for adaptable healthcare systems. This study summarized the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of thyroid cancer in the Philippines. Implementation of existing policies and further research on the Filipino population is vital to address this growing health concern and ensure improved outcomes for thyroid cancer patients.