Suicide rates and methods among veteran cancer survivors within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), 2010-2020
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Veteran cancer survivors face a 37% higher suicide risk compared to those without cancer. Early survivorship and specific cancers like esophageal and pancreatic increase this risk, highlighting the need for targeted suicide prevention strategies.
Area Of Science
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Mental Health
Background
- Suicide rates are rising among Veterans, with cancer identified as a potential contributing factor.
- Understanding suicide risk in Veteran cancer survivors is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose Of The Study
- To comprehensively analyze suicide risk among Veteran cancer survivors.
- To compare suicide rates and methods between Veterans with and without cancer diagnoses.
Main Methods
- Retrospective analysis of suicide rates in 439,667 Veterans diagnosed and treated for cancer (2010-2020) via the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
- Comparison with an age- and sex-matched cohort without cancer.
- Stratification of suicide rates by age, time period, and cancer-related factors; examination of suicide methods.
Main Results
- Veterans with cancer had a 37% higher suicide rate than those without cancer.
- Suicide risk was significantly elevated in the first year post-diagnosis (86% higher).
- Elevated rates were observed for specific cancers (esophageal, pancreatic) and early survivorship (<3 years post-treatment).
- Firearm use was more prevalent among cancer survivors (79.37%) compared to the non-cancer cohort (72.30%).
Conclusions
- Veteran cancer survivors exhibit a substantially higher risk of suicide.
- Targeted screening and assessment for suicide risk are essential for this population.
- Prevention strategies, including lethal means safety counseling (e.g., firearm safety), are critical.
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