Methods of Suicide Used by People With Cancer: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Individuals diagnosed with cancer exhibit an elevated suicide risk compared to the general population.
• Access to lethal means is a critical, modifiable risk factor for suicide, particularly in vulnerable groups.
• Understanding specific suicide methods among cancer patients is essential for developing targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of suicide methods employed by individuals with cancer.
• To identify the study designs utilized in researching this topic.
• To assess the feasibility of conducting a future systematic review on cancer patient suicide methods.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review adhering to JBI methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Extensive literature search across five major databases (Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science) and gray literature.
• Inclusion criteria focused on studies quantitatively reporting suicide methods in cancer patients, excluding non-fatal self-harm and case reports.

Main Results:

• Twenty-seven studies from diverse geographical locations were included in the review.
• Suicide method selection was found to be influenced by factors such as geographical region, patient age, and sex.
• Significant heterogeneity was observed in study designs, cancer definitions, control groups, and comparison sample characteristics.

Conclusions:

• A systematic review is currently not feasible due to substantial methodological variations across existing studies.
• Future research should standardize methodologies, controlling for age and sex at a minimum.
• Inclusion of underrepresented populations and region-specific approaches are recommended for future studies on suicide methods in cancer patients.