Suicidal ideation in advanced cancer patients without major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with an increased risk of suicide and suicide attempt among cancer patients. However, we do not know how many cancer patients without MDD have suicidal ideation (SI).

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, characteristics and correlated factors of SI among advanced cancer patients without MDD.

This is a multi-center, cross-sectional study based on an electronic patient-reported outcome systems in patients who were diagnosed with advanced lung, liver, gastric, esophageal, colorectal or breast cancer, the top six prevalent cancers in China. A total of 2930 advanced cancer patients were recruited from 10 regional representative cancer centers across China from August 2019 to December 2020. Patients completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 regarding if they had thoughts of being better off dead or of hurting themselves in some way in the previous 2 weeks. Patients also completed the symptom inventory and quality of life assessment. Generalized estimating equation model was performed to explore the correlated factors associated with SI among the patients without MDD.

The overall prevalence of SI among advanced cancer patients without MDD was 13.1%. The prevalence was higher in older patients. After adjusted for existing conditions, patients with vomiting symptom (p < 0.001), poorer life quality (p < 0.001), and middle education level (p = 0.031) were correlated factors of SI.

The suicidal ideation is common in advanced cancer patients without MDD. Patients with vomiting, poor quality of life, and middle education level should be screened and monitored for suicidal ideation even without MDD.

ChiCTR1900024957.