Suicide in Cancer Patients in South East England From 1996 to 2005: a Population-Based Study

The authors calculated standardised mortality ratios for suicide in 206,129 men & 211,443 women diagnosed with cancer in southeast England between 1996-2005, relative to suicide rates in the general population. A significantly increased risk of suicide was found in men & a moderately increased risk in women. In both genders, relative risk of suicide was greatest in the first year after cancer diagnosis & was also greater in individuals diagnosed with types of cancer with high fatality. Carers need to be aware of the importance of attending to both the physical & emotional needs of cancer patients & cancer survivors. (35 refs.) JA