PREVALENCE OF NODULAR THYROID FORMS IN THE SEMEY REGION

Abstract

Relevance. This study presents indicators of nodular thyroid neoplasms among the population in the Semey region over the period from 2018 to 2022, based on surveys conducted in urban clinics and medical institutions in the city of Semey over a five-year observation period. It is widely known that the territory of Kazakhstan, particularly areas in the Semey region near the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, has an unfavorable radiation background, which has undoubtedly influenced the rise in oncological diseases, including thyroid cancer. The aim of the study is to investigate the prevalence of nodular thyroid forms among the population of the Semey region from 2018 to 2022. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted. Surveys were carried out in urban clinics and medical institutions in the city of Semey. The analysis included all 912 registered cases of nodular thyroid neoplasms in the Semey region over the period from 2018 to 2022. The study analyzed the frequency of nodular thyroid neoplasms with confirmed diagnoses, including diffuse-nodular goiters, multinodular goiters, nodular goiters with autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT), and cystic-colloid goiters. Statistical data analysis was performed using Excel and SPSS 20. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the data, with central tendency (mean) and dispersion (standard deviation) for quantitative data, and absolute frequencies and percentages for qualitative data. Results. According to the study conducted from 2018 to 2022, an increase in the frequency of nodular thyroid forms was noted in the Semey region, with the highest number of cases in areas with high radiation exposure. Nodular thyroid forms were observed more frequently than other types and were particularly common among middle-aged women. The increase in thyroid pathology in this region impacts patients' overall health, work capacity, and quality of life.