Age-related and sex-related disparities in psychological distress among thyroid cancer patients: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Thyroid cancer incidence is rising globally, with distinct gender and age disparities. Despite favorable prognosis, 20%-50% of patients experience significant psychological distress that impacts treatment outcomes and quality of life. Age and gender are key demographic factors influencing psychological adaptation, yet systematic research on psychological health status in thyroid cancer patients, particularly in Chinese populations, remains limited. AIM To investigate the impact of age and gender on the psychological health status of thyroid cancer patients, providing scientific evidence for developing personalized psychological intervention strategies. METHODS A retrospective study design was employed to collect clinical data from 180 thyroid cancer patients diagnosed at our hospital from May 2022 to March 2025. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, and World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Brief Version were used to assess patients' psychological health status. Patients were divided by gender into male group (48 cases) and female group (132 cases), and by age into young group (18-44 years, 66 cases), middle-aged group (45-59 years, 77 cases), and elderly group (≥ 60 years, 37 cases). RESULTS Female patients had significantly higher Self-Rating Anxiety Scale total scores and Self-Rating Depression Scale total scores than males, with significantly lower Quality of Life Psychological Health Domain Score than males (P < 0.05). The young group had the highest anxiety and depression scores and lowest quality of life scores, while the elderly group had relatively better psychological health status, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.001). The detection rates of anxiety and depression in females were 45.5% and 43.2%, respectively, significantly higher than males' 29.2% and 25.0% (P < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that gender (female), age group (young group), TNM staging (advanced stage), and education level (high school and below) were independent influencing factors for anxiety and depression scores. CONCLUSION Female and young thyroid cancer patients are high-risk groups for psychological health problems, and disease staging and education level also significantly affect patients' psychological health status. Clinical practice should establish psychological health screening mechanisms based on patients' demographic characteristics and develop personalized psychological support strategies.