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[Suicide mortality among cancer patients].

Emanuele Crocetti¹, Carlotta Buzzoni, Adele Caldarella

¹Istituto per lo studio e la prevenzione oncologica (ISPO), Firenze, Italy. e.crocetti@ispo.toscana.it

Epidemiologia E Prevenzione

|June 19, 2012

Summary

Cancer patients face a higher risk of suicide deaths compared to the general population, particularly those with poor prognosis or recently diagnosed. However, this excess suicide risk among cancer patients is decreasing over time.

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Area of Science:

Oncology
Epidemiology
Public Health

Context:

Cancer patients represent a vulnerable population with unique psychological and social challenges.
Understanding mortality patterns beyond cancer itself is crucial for comprehensive patient care.

Purpose:

To evaluate the excess risk of suicide deaths in a large cohort of cancer patients.
To identify specific subgroups of cancer patients with elevated suicide risk, including those with recent diagnoses.

Summary:

This population-based observational study analyzed 136,105 cancer patients from the Tuscany Region (1985-2005).
Overall, cancer patients exhibited a 47% higher standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for suicide (SMR=1.47).
Elevated risks were observed in men, older adults (≥55 years), those with poor prognosis cancers (SMR=2.27), and within the first year post-diagnosis (SMR=2.87).
For patients diagnosed 2000-2005, the SMR was 1.19, with persistent high risk for age 55-64 (SMR=2.27), poor prognosis (SMR=3.23), and the first year post-diagnosis (SMR=2.64).
Trend analysis indicated a significant decrease in the excess suicide risk over time (p=0.042).

Impact:

Despite a decreasing trend, suicide prevention remains a priority for cancer patients due to potential depressive etiology and impact on families.
The findings suggest improved palliative care systems may contribute to reduced suicide risk.
Highlights the need for continued mental health support and monitoring within oncology care.