Risk factors for suicide in cancer patients and preventive measures: a literature review

Abstract

The aim of the study is to identify the main risk factors for suicide and review aspects of suicide prevention. Evidence shows that suicide is higher among cancer patients than in the general population. Lithuania has been in a leading position in suicides worldwide. It is very important to care about cancer patients’ emotional status because advances in health care offer great promise for patients’ physical health. Material and methods: This review was conducted using data sources from the PubMed electronic bibliography published over the past ten years. Articles were selected using the keywords “the risk factors”, “suicides”, and “the patients with cancer”. After selection, seventy-two articles were suitable for the analysis. Results and discussion: The main suicide risk factor was depression; a less frequent factor was other mental pathology. Symptoms such as pain, weakness and decreased physical capacity play an important role in the risk of suicide. Suicide was also affected by the localization of the tumour; a short time elapsed since diagnosis was also important. As in the general population, social, economic, and demographic factors such as male gender, loneliness, age, and low income are important risk factors for suicide among cancer patients. Conclusion: To reduce the risk of suicide in cancer patients, it is appropriate to create a united, practice-friendly suicide risk assessment system and develop psychoeducational training and psychological assistance for medical staff and family members.