Patient delay and diagnosis-to-surgery interval in thyroid cancer and its related factors: a cross-sectional study from southern Iran

Thyroid cancer is affecting many people all around the world and is rising in incidence and prevalence. It is also highly treatable if diagnosed and addressed on time. This study aims to investigate the time intervals between symptom onset and seeking medical care, and also the time interval between diagnosis and treatment in thyroid cancer, and the factors influencing these intervals in Iran. This cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted in southern Iran on 189 adult patients with thyroid cancer. Data were collected using a checklist developed following a thorough literature review. Non-parametric tests (Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis) and regression analyses were used to assess associations between measured time intervals and demographic, psychosocial, and clinical variables. The median patient delay was 90 days (Q1–Q3: 30–365), and the median diagnosis-to-surgery interval was 28 days (Q1–Q3: 14–44). Patients with more prominent symptoms, such as dyspnea, dysphagia, neck swelling, and hoarseness, and those who searched their symptoms online showed shorter delays. Patients with depression and those in the age group above 40 had a significantly longer delay. People with higher education, dyspnea, married patients, and those who had family support underwent surgery more quickly. Patients who changed their doctor had longer delays. Significant variability in diagnostic and treatment intervals was observed in this regional cohort of thyroid cancer patients. Several modifiable patient-related and system-related factors associated with delays were noticed. Targeted interventions to optimize referral pathways, enhance patient awareness, and improve access to healthcare, especially for vulnerable populations, may reduce delays and improve timely surgical management.