Suicide, Cancer, and Other Causes of Death Among California Veterinarians, 1960-1992

Standardized proportionate mortality ratios for 450 California veterinarians who died between 1960 & 1992 were calculated. In comparison to the California general population, white male veterinarians had significantly elevated mortality from skin cancer, rheumatic heart disease, & suicide. White female veterinarians had significantly elevated mortality from suicide. Significantly elevated mortality from suicide was also noted for subjects who had been in the profession for less than 30 years.