North America Thyroid Cancer Market Report

North America Thyroid Cancer Market Size

The North America Thyroid Cancer Market was valued at USD 150.47 million in 2024. The North America Thyroid Cancer Market is expected to have 24 % CAGR from 2024 to 2033 and be worth USD 1042.91 million by 2033 from USD 186.58 million in 2025. 

Thyroid cancer arises from abnormal cell growth within the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of the neck responsible for hormone production regulating metabolism. The North America Thyroid Cancer Market covers an array of diagnostic services, therapeutic interventions, and supportive care products aimed at managing various types of thyroid malignancies. Moreover, the market includes surgical procedures, radioactive iodine therapies, targeted drugs, immunotherapies, and advanced diagnostic tools such as molecular testing and imaging modalities.

According to the American Cancer Society, thyroid cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers in terms of incidence in the United States, with approximately 44,020 new cases diagnosed in 2023. This rise is attributed not only to improved detection methods but also to environmental and lifestyle factors influencing disease prevalence.

In Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada reported over 7,000 new thyroid cancer cases in 2023, reflecting a similar upward trend. As per the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program, the five-year survival rate for localized thyroid cancer exceeds 99%, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and effective treatment strategies.

With increasing awareness, expanding research into genomic profiling, and growing investment by pharmaceutical companies, the North America Thyroid Cancer Market is evolving rapidly. However, disparities in access to advanced care, high treatment costs, and regulatory complexities continue to shape its development across the region.

MARKET DRIVERS

Rising Incidence of Thyroid Cancer Diagnoses

One of the most significant drivers of the North America Thyroid Cancer Market is the rising number of diagnoses across the region, particularly in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 44,000 new cases of thyroid cancer were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2023, with women accounting for nearly 75% of these cases. This gender disparity has prompted increased screening and public health campaigns targeting at-risk populations.

A key factor contributing to this surge in diagnoses is the widespread use of advanced imaging technologies such as high-resolution ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA), which have significantly improved early detection rates. As per the National Cancer Institute, between 1990 and 2022, the incidence of thyroid cancer in the U.S. more than tripled, partly due to enhanced diagnostic capabilities.

Moreover, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that obesity rates have risen sharply over the past two decades, a known risk factor for several cancers including thyroid malignancies. As healthcare providers increasingly screen for thyroid nodules during routine exams, the number of incidental findings has grown, further driving demand for diagnostic and treatment services across North America.

Advancements in Targeted Therapies and Precision Medicine

Another critical driver shaping the North America Thyroid Cancer Market is the rapid evolution of targeted therapies and precision medicine approaches. Traditional treatments like surgery and radioactive iodine therapy remain foundational, but the emergence of molecularly guided treatments has transformed management strategies for advanced and refractory thyroid cancers.

As per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as Lenvatinib and Sorafenib have been approved for treating differentiated thyroid cancer that no longer responds to radioactive iodine. These therapies have demonstrated significant improvements in progression-free survival, extending patient outcomes beyond what was previously achievable.

Besides, the integration of biomarker testing into clinical decision-making has gained traction. According to the College of American Pathologists highlights that genetic profiling for mutations such as BRAF V600E and RET fusions is now standard practice in many academic centers, enabling clinicians to tailor treatment regimens based on tumor biology rather than histology alone.

With ongoing clinical trials evaluating next-generation targeted agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors, the market continues to expand, offering renewed hope for patients with aggressive or metastatic thyroid cancer and reinforcing commercial opportunities for biopharmaceutical players.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

High Cost of Advanced Treatments

A major restraint affecting the North America Thyroid Cancer Market is the prohibitively high cost associated with advanced treatment options, especially targeted therapies and novel diagnostics. While these innovations offer significant clinical benefits, their financial burden limits accessibility and reimbursement coverage, restricting broader adoption.

Even with insurance coverage, out-of-pocket expenses often remain substantial, leading to treatment discontinuation or non-adherence in some cases.

Pharmacy benefit managers and health insurers have responded to rising drug expenditures by implementing restrictive formulary policies and prior authorization requirements. According to a 2023 analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that nearly 20% of patients prescribed high-cost cancer drugs faced delays in initiating treatment due to insurance-related hurdles.

These economic barriers hinder the broad implementation of life-extending therapies, despite growing disease prevalence and increasing availability of effective treatment options across North America, thereby constraining market expansion.

Disparities in Access to Care and Underdiagnosis

Another significant constraint impacting the North America Thyroid Cancer Market is the uneven access to specialized care and underdiagnosis among certain demographic groups. Despite rising overall incidence rates, racial minorities, low-income individuals, and rural populations face considerable challenges in accessing timely diagnosis and treatment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), disparities in thyroid cancer detection persist among Black and Hispanic patients, who are less likely to receive early diagnosis and appropriate treatment compared to White patients, even when adjusting for socioeconomic status.

Apart from these, data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) indicates that nearly 20% of the U.S. population resides in medically underserved areas where access to endocrinologists, nuclear medicine specialists, and advanced imaging facilities is limited. This geographic barrier contributes to delayed care and suboptimal treatment outcomes.

Public health initiatives have made progress in raising awareness, but gaps remain, particularly in low-income communities.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Expansion of Personalized Medicine and Biomarker Development

A promising opportunity emerging in the North America Thyroid Cancer Market is the growing emphasis on personalized medicine and biomarker-driven diagnostics. With advancements in genomic profiling and precision oncology, clinicians are increasingly leveraging molecular markers to guide treatment decisions and improve patient stratification.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the integration of biomarkers such as BRAF V600E, RET fusions, and NTRK rearrangements into routine clinical practice has enabled more accurate prognosis and tailored therapy selection. In particular, next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based panels are being adopted to identify actionable mutations that qualify patients for targeted therapies or clinical trials.

Pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies are investing heavily in companion diagnostics to support the development of novel therapies. For instance, Roche and QIAGEN have introduced FDA-approved tests to detect specific genetic alterations in thyroid tumors, facilitating the use of corresponding targeted drugs.

Furthermore, academic research institutions and biotech firms are exploring circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and liquid biopsy technologies to monitor disease progression and response to treatment without invasive procedures. These advancements are expected to enhance treatment personalization, reduce unnecessary interventions, and expand the commercial footprint of precision oncology within the thyroid cancer landscape.

Increasing Use of Radiofrequency Ablation and Minimally Invasive Treatments

Another significant opportunity shaping the North America Thyroid Cancer Market is the rising adoption of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and other minimally invasive treatment modalities for managing benign and early-stage malignant thyroid nodules. Unlike traditional surgical approaches, RFA offers a less invasive alternative that preserves thyroid function and reduces recovery time.

According to the American Thyroid Association (ATA), the utilization of image-guided thermal ablation techniques has grown substantially in recent years, particularly in outpatient settings.

Healthcare providers are increasingly adopting RFA due to its favorable safety profile and minimal complications compared to conventional thyroidectomy. Moreover, regulatory approvals and procedural guidelines issued by professional societies have facilitated broader acceptance and reimbursement coverage in select cases.

So, RFA and similar ablative techniques are poised to become integral components of thyroid nodule management. This shift presents a lucrative growth avenue for medical device manufacturers and interventional specialists, contributing to the evolving dynamics of the thyroid cancer treatment landscape in North America.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Regulatory Complexity in Approving New Therapeutics

A major challenge facing the North America Thyroid Cancer Market is the complexity and duration of the regulatory approval process for novel therapeutics and diagnostic tools. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains rigorous standards for evaluating the safety, efficacy, and quality of new drugs and biomarker-based assays, which can delay market entry and increase development costs.

In the case of thyroid cancer therapies, demonstrating clinical benefit beyond existing standard-of-care treatments poses additional hurdles, particularly for rare subtypes such as anaplastic thyroid cancer.

Moreover, the FDA’s requirement for companion diagnostics alongside targeted therapies adds another layer of complexity. Manufacturers must navigate simultaneous drug and diagnostic development pathways, often requiring coordination with multiple stakeholders, including contract research organizations and regulatory consultants.

Delays in regulatory clearances can impact patient access to innovative treatments and hinder revenue generation for biopharma companies.

Variability in Treatment Guidelines and Reimbursement Policies

Another critical challenge impeding the North America Thyroid Cancer Market is the inconsistency in treatment guidelines and reimbursement policies across different healthcare providers and payers. While major medical associations such as the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) provide standardized recommendations, variations in clinical practice persist due to regional differences in physician preferences and institutional protocols.

According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), disparities in treatment selection are evident between academic medical centers and community hospitals, influencing patient outcomes and treatment adherence. Besides, payer-specific coverage policies often dictate whether patients receive recommended therapies, particularly for high-cost targeted agents and molecular diagnostics.

Reimbursement discrepancies further complicate access to care. The coverage for next-generation sequencing (NGS) panels varied significantly among private insurers, Medicaid, and Medicare Advantage plans, limiting their adoption in routine clinical practice.

These inconsistencies create uncertainty for both providers and patients, potentially delaying treatment initiation and reducing adherence to evidence-based protocols. Overcoming these challenges requires greater alignment between guideline developers, payers, and healthcare institutions to ensure equitable access to optimal thyroid cancer care across North America.

REPORT COVERAGE

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

By Treatment Insights

The Surgery segment was the largest category of the North America Thyroid Cancer Market, accounting for a 40.1% of total treatment expenditures in 2024. This dominance is primarily attributed to the fact that surgical intervention remains the first-line treatment for nearly all types of thyroid cancer, especially when tumors are localized and resectable.

According to the American Cancer Society, over 90% of patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancers—such as papillary and follicular thyroid carcinomas—undergo some form of surgical procedure, including lobectomy or total thyroidectomy. The high adoption rate of surgery is driven by its efficacy in removing malignant tissue and reducing recurrence risk, particularly when followed by adjuvant therapies like radioactive iodine.

Also, advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques have contributed to the continued reliance on surgery.

Moreover, rising healthcare expenditure and strong reimbursement policies in the U.S. and Canada support widespread access to surgical treatments. With ongoing innovations in surgical oncology and favorable clinical guidelines, this segment remains central to thyroid cancer management across North America.

The Drugs segment is projected to grow at the fastest rate in the North America Thyroid Cancer Market, with a CAGR 12.2% during the forecast period. This rapid growth is primarily driven by the increasing adoption of targeted therapies and immunotherapies for managing advanced and refractory thyroid cancers.

As reported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), several novel tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as Lenvatinib and Sorafenib have been approved in recent years, offering extended progression-free survival for patients who no longer respond to radioactive iodine therapy. Apart from these, immune checkpoint inhibitors like Pembrolizumab are being evaluated in clinical trials for their potential role in treating aggressive subtypes such as anaplastic thyroid cancer.

The growing integration of precision medicine into clinical practice has further fueled demand for these pharmaceutical agents. Furthermore, biopharmaceutical companies are actively investing in pipeline development. These factors collectively contribute to the accelerated expansion of the drugs segment within the North America Thyroid Cancer Market.

By Drug Insights

Levothyroxine commanded the segment in the North America Thyroid Cancer Market by drug type, capturing an estimated market share of 60.3% in 2024. This is credited to its essential role in post-surgical hormone replacement therapy and TSH suppression treatment following thyroidectomy.

According to the Endocrine Society, nearly all patients undergoing total thyroidectomy require lifelong levothyroxine therapy to maintain normal metabolic function and suppress tumor recurrence.

Moreover, levothyroxine remains the most prescribed medication in the United States for hypothyroidism management. Its affordability, availability in generic forms, and inclusion in major health insurance plans further ensure widespread accessibility.

In addition, the American Thyroid Association (ATA) continues to recommend levothyroxine as the standard of care for thyroid hormone replacement, reinforcing its entrenched position in both post-operative care and long-term follow-up protocols for thyroid cancer survivors across North America.

The Radioiodine segment is emerging as booming drug category in the North America Thyroid Cancer Market, projected to expand at a CAGR of 9.4% through 2033. This growth is primarily driven by its expanding application in both diagnostic imaging and therapeutic interventions for differentiated thyroid cancers.

According to the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), radioiodine-131 remains the gold standard for ablation of residual thyroid tissue after surgery and for treating metastatic or recurrent disease. Recent developments in dosimetry and personalized treatment planning have enhanced the precision and effectiveness of radioiodine therapy, making it more widely accepted even among patients previously considered non-responsive. Moreover, the integration of SPECT/CT imaging with radioiodine scanning has improved pre-treatment staging accuracy, enabling better patient selection.

Also, renewed interest in combining radioiodine with targeted therapies is opening new avenues for treatment optimization. As research advances and clinical guidelines evolve, the utilization of radioiodine is expected to continue rising, positioning it as a high-growth segment within the broader thyroid cancer therapeutics landscape.

By End User Insights

Hospitals led the end-user segment in the North America Thyroid Cancer Market, commanding an estimated market share of 45.5% in 2024. This top position is primarily attributed to the centralized nature of thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment within hospital settings, where multidisciplinary care teams manage complex cases.

The integration of comprehensive cancer centers within hospital networks further enhances service delivery and patient referrals.

Moreover, hospitals are equipped with advanced imaging technologies such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI, which are crucial for diagnosing thyroid nodules and staging malignancies. With robust infrastructure, established referral systems, and strong reimbursement mechanisms, hospitals remain the primary hub for thyroid cancer care delivery, ensuring their dominant position in the regional market landscape.

Oncology Centres are emerging as the rapidly advancing end-user segment in the North America Thyroid Cancer Market, with a projected CAGR of 11.6%. This growth is fueled by the increasing preference for specialized cancer care facilities that offer tailored treatment plans, expert consultations, and streamlined access to advanced therapies.

These centers are increasingly integrating molecular profiling, targeted therapy administration, and supportive care services, enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Moreover, the rise of value-based care models and bundled payment programs has encouraged providers to consolidate cancer care within specialty centers rather than general hospitals. A 2023 report by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) found that oncology centers demonstrated higher adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines compared to community hospitals, contributing to improved clinical efficiency.

Hence, oncology centers are becoming pivotal in delivering cutting-edge thyroid cancer therapies, driving their rapid expansion and market penetration across North America.

COUNTRY LEVEL ANALYSIS

The United States led the North America Thyroid Cancer Market, capturing an estimated market share of 85.6% in 2024. This dominant position is driven by the country’s high incidence rates, well-established healthcare infrastructure, and strong presence of key pharmaceutical and diagnostics players.

The National Cancer Institute notes that thyroid cancer incidence has tripled over the past three decades, partly due to increased detection through imaging technologies.

The U.S. also benefits from robust regulatory frameworks and extensive reimbursement coverage for thyroid cancer treatments. Moreover, leading biopharmaceutical companies such as Roche, Eisai, and Merck are actively involved in developing next-generation therapies, supported by a strong clinical trial ecosystem. With continuous innovation and policy support, the U.S. remains at the forefront of the North American thyroid cancer landscape.

Canada maintains a strong focus on early detection and preventive healthcare, with provincial screening programs playing a vital role in managing thyroid cancer cases.

The Canadian healthcare system ensures broad access to diagnostic and treatment services, with provinces covering the cost of surgery, hormone replacement therapy, and radioactive iodine treatments under universal health coverage. Statistics from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) indicate that over 90% of thyroid cancer patients receive timely surgical intervention, contributing to favorable survival rates.

In addition, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC) has launched awareness campaigns to improve early diagnosis and reduce disparities in care. With a well-integrated healthcare model and growing emphasis on precision oncology, Canada continues to strengthen its position in the regional thyroid cancer market.

The Rest of North America , including U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and other affiliated regions, presents unique challenges and opportunities shaped by healthcare access disparities and evolving medical infrastructure.

According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), cervical and thyroid cancer mortality rates in Puerto Rico remain disproportionately high compared to mainland U.S., with limited access to specialized endocrinology and nuclear medicine services contributing to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Efforts to improve thyroid cancer prevention and management in these areas have been bolstered by federal funding initiatives.

Despite progress, gaps persist in public awareness and screening participation. A 2023 report by the Puerto Rico Department of Health noted that only 60% of eligible patients received recommended follow-up care after thyroid nodule detection, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. As efforts to bridge healthcare inequities continue, this segment presents untapped growth potential within the broader North American thyroid cancer market landscape.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS AND COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Companies playing a vital role in the North American thyroid cancer market profiled in this report are Baxter International Inc., Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., Alara Pharmaceutical Corporation, Bristol Myers co, Abbott laboratories, Teva parenteral medicines Inc., App pharmaceuticals LLC, and Jerome Stevens Pharmaceuticals Inc.

The competition in the North America Thyroid Cancer Market is characterized by rapid innovation, increasing emphasis on personalized medicine, and strategic positioning by major pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies. With rising disease prevalence and evolving treatment paradigms, firms are intensifying efforts to differentiate themselves through novel therapies, biomarker-driven diagnostics, and enhanced patient support programs. The market landscape is dominated by established players who leverage strong R&D pipelines, regulatory expertise, and well-established distribution networks to maintain leadership positions. However, emerging biotech firms are gaining traction by focusing on niche indications and early-stage pipeline assets. Additionally, the integration of digital health tools, such as AI-assisted diagnostics and telemedicine platforms, is reshaping how patients are diagnosed and managed. As healthcare systems shift toward value-based care models, competition is increasingly centered on cost-effectiveness, treatment personalization, and improved patient engagement across the care continuum.

Top Players in the Market

One of the leading companies in the North America Thyroid Cancer Market is Roche Holding AG. Roche plays a pivotal role in advancing targeted therapies for thyroid cancer, particularly through its development of BRAF and RET inhibitors that have transformed treatment approaches for advanced cases. The company’s commitment to precision oncology has made it a key player in both diagnostics and therapeutics.

Another major contributor is Eisai Co., Ltd. , known for its tyrosine kinase inhibitor Lenvatinib, which has become a standard therapy for radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer. Eisai's focus on clinical innovation and global trial participation has reinforced its presence in the North American market.

Merck & Co. is also a significant player, leveraging its expertise in immunotherapy through drugs like Pembrolizumab, which is being explored in clinical trials for aggressive thyroid cancers. Merck’s broad oncology portfolio and strategic collaborations with research institutions continue to enhance its footprint in thyroid cancer treatment and drug development.

Top Strategies Used by Key Players

Key players in the North America Thyroid Cancer Market are prioritizing targeted drug development and regulatory approvals to expand their therapeutic portfolios and address unmet medical needs. Companies are investing heavily in clinical trials focused on molecularly guided treatments that improve patient outcomes.

Another crucial strategy is strategic partnerships and collaborations with academic institutions, biotech firms, and healthcare providers. These alliances facilitate faster drug discovery, biomarker validation, and access to real-world data that supports treatment personalization.

Lastly, expansion into companion diagnostics has gained momentum as pharmaceutical companies integrate diagnostic testing with therapy selection. By developing FDA-approved tests that identify actionable mutations, firms are enhancing treatment efficacy and reinforcing their market position in precision oncology.

RECENT HAPPENINGS IN THE MARKET

In January 2024, Roche announced a collaboration with Foundation Medicine to expand the use of its companion diagnostic test for a new BRAF-targeted therapy, enabling better patient selection and supporting regulatory submissions in North America.

In March 2024, Eisai initiated a Phase IV trial for Lenvatinib in combination with immunotherapy agents to evaluate enhanced efficacy in advanced thyroid cancer, aiming to reinforce its market dominance in refractory cases.

In June 2024, Merck & Co. partnered with a leading academic medical center to develop a liquid biopsy-based monitoring system for thyroid cancer recurrence, integrating real-world evidence into clinical decision-making.

In August 2024, QIAGEN launched a next-generation sequencing panel specifically designed for thyroid nodule analysis, improving mutation detection accuracy and reducing unnecessary surgeries.

In October 2024, Hologic introduced an AI-powered imaging platform for thyroid ultrasound assessments, aimed at streamlining diagnosis and enhancing early intervention capabilities across outpatient settings in North America.

MARKET SEGMENTATION

This research report on the North America thyroid cancer market is segmented and sub-segmented into the following categories.

By Treatment

• Surgery
• Drugs

By Drug 

• Levothyroxine
• Radioiodine

By End User

• Hospitals
• Oncology Centres

By Country

• The United States
• Canada
• Rest of North America