Background and Aim:

To determine the incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer in Costa Rica from 1990 to 2014.

Methodology:

Descriptive cross-sectional observational research. The study was performed in Costa Ricans with diagnosis (7 265 new cases) and death (382 deaths) of thyroid cancer, in the period 1990-2014. The information was obtained from the databases of the Central American Population Center, the National Institute of Statistics and Census and the National Registry of Tumors, using the International Classification of Diseases 9 and 10. Calculation of adjusted rates by 100 000 inhabitants, percentages and years of life potentially lost was obtained.

Results:

Mortality from thyroid cancer in Costa Rica showed a slight upward trend during the period from 1990 to 2014. It was predominant in females, with a ratio of 3: 1 and affected mainly the population over 60 years old, with higher rates in the provinces of Cartago, San José and Heredia. The incidence, in the same way, had a tendency to rise, moderately, just as it was observed for the years of life potentially lost.

Conclusion:

Mortality, incidence and years of life potentially lost due to thyroid cancer in Costa Rica present a tendency to rise throughout the study period.