A Study of Artificial Sweeteners and Thyroid Cancer Risk

Background: In recent decades, data from certain observational studies have stirred controversy over artificial sweeteners by linking them with certain malignancies. As the incidences of artificial sweetener consumption and thyroid cancer are both increasing, our study aimed to determine any possible association between them.

Methods: This retrospective observational study enrolled 50 patients (group 1) with proven diagnosis of well-differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC) and 50 control subjects (group 2) diagnosed as having benign thyroid nodule by fine-needle aspiration. The survey questionnaire included the total amount and duration of intake of artificial sweeteners.

Results: Increased consumption of artificial sweeteners was noted in group 1 as compared to group 2, which was statistically significant (76% vs. 24%, P < 0.01). This study suggested that the use of an average of four packets (4 g) per day of artificial sweetener for an average duration of 5 years is associated with WDTC.

Conclusions: Our study emphasizes the significance of artificial sweetener consumption as a potential risk factor for WDTC and increase in public awareness regarding this association if other studies in future report similar findings.

Keywords: Artificial sweeteners; Benign thyroid nodule; Well-differentiated thyroid cancer.