Abstract: Incidence of thyroid cancer has continuously increased in the last three decades globally. A similar trend of thyroid cancer incidence appeared in China. New cases and deaths of thyroid cancer in China accounted for 15.6% and 13.8% of the global new cases and deaths in 2012. The incidence in East China was the highest while that in Middle China was the lowest. Thyroid cancer was more common in urban areas than in rural counterparts. The incidence was substantially higher in female patients than male. Thyroid cancer occurred most commonly in middle age. Radiation exposure, iodine sufficiency or deficiency, sex hormone and genetic mutations were risk factors for thyroid cancer. To prevent it, potassium iodide should be taken to prevent radiation fallout in nuclear accidents, unnecessary exposure to radiation from medical imaging is reduced, iodine surveillance system is improved and appropriate standards for iodized salt are established.

Key words: Thyroid cancer, Distribution, Risk factors, Prevention