Patterns of depression in cancer patients: an indirect test of gender-specific vulnerabilities to depression

Background Higher rates of depression in women compared to men have been attributed to intrinsic biological or psychological vulnerabilities, to their disproportionate exposure to stressful events and circumstances, or to the combined contributions of these factors. Purpose This study aimed to determine if there is a gender disparity in depression rates in patients with advanced cancer, a circumstance associated with multiple stressors and a high prevalence of depression. Method Data were collected from 569 patients, assessing demographic characteristics, depressive symptoms, physical symptoms, and social support. Results Clinically significant symptoms of depression (BDI-II scores C16) were reported by more than 20% of the sample, with no significant gender differences in depression. There were no significant gender differences in potentially confounding factors such as social support or physical symptom burden. Conclusion The results indicated that men and women may be equally likely to develop depression when faced with a highly stressful circumstance.