Characteristics of Terminal Cancer Patients who Committed Suicide During a Home Palliative Care Program

Identified the possible vulnerability factors of suicide in 5 terminal cancer patients who committed suicide while they were cared for at home by a palliative care team. 4 patients presented functional & physical impairments, uncontrolled pain, awareness of being in the terminal stage, & mild to moderate depression. They had a feeling of hopelessness consequent to their clinical conditions, fear of suffering, & feeling of being a burden on others. They had isolated themselves & had previously talked about suicide. (49 refs)