In a controlled psychological autopsy study of suicide in late life, 8 cases in which the victim’s belief that he had cancer played a major role in the decision to end his life were examined. All victims were men & the majority had diagnosable major affective disorders but none had been seen in mental health care settings. The cases illustrate the complex determinants of suicidal behaviour in the elderly & suggest preventive strategies for the primary care setting. (31 refs.)