Suicide in patients with genitourinary malignancies

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Genitourinary (GU) cancers are a major global health concern, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality.
• Understanding the psychological impact, particularly suicidality, in GU cancer patients is essential for comprehensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize current literature on suicide and associated risk factors in patients diagnosed with genitourinary cancers.
• To identify specific patient populations and clinical factors that elevate suicide risk within this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major scientific databases: MEDLINE, ProQuest, PsycINFO, Science Direct, and Scopus.
• Relevant articles focusing on suicide and genitourinary cancers were systematically reviewed.

Main Results:

• Patients with prostate cancer emerged as the highest-risk group for suicide among all genitourinary cancer patients.
• Identified risk factors include: male gender, advanced age, Caucasian ethnicity, disease progression, social isolation (living alone), and co-occurring psychological comorbidities.
• These factors underscore the complex interplay between cancer diagnosis, treatment, and mental health outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Heightened awareness among caregivers regarding psychosocial distress and suicidality in genitourinary cancer patients is imperative.
• Early identification of at-risk individuals, implementation of risk-reduction strategies, and timely referral to mental health professionals are critical.
• Proactive mental healthcare integration is necessary for both pre- and post-treatment phases to mitigate suicide risk.