Suicide Mortality is Decreasing Among Cancer Patients in Central Italy

This study examined whether suicides among Italian patients diagnosed with cancer during 1985-1999 had decreased with calendar time in comparison to the rate in the general population. 90,197 patients with cancer resident in Tuscany were followed up for life status to the end of 2000. Time trends were assessed by using Kernel smoothing estimators, standardized mortality ratios, & Poisson analysis of the observed/expected ratios. Results showed suicides among patients with cancer had decreased with calendar time relative to the suicide trend in the general population. Improved treatment options & better communication of diagnosis are possible explanations for this finding. (38 refs.) JA