Suicide Risk Among Incident Cases of Cancer in the Swiss Canton of Vaud

Data from 24,166 patients diagnosed with cancer in Vaud, Switzerland, were used to estimate the risk of suicide for cancer patients. From 1976 to 1987, there were 55 registered suicides vs. the 21.3 expected. The ratio was slightly higher for men than women, & similar across age groups. The risk of suicide was high during the 1st year after notification, & decreased with time. This study suggests that the risk of suicide after a diagnosis of cancer may be greater than previously estimated. (VM)