Cancer patients in England are at increased risk of suicide
compared to the general population, according to new
figures from Public Health England (PHE).
The first national study of its kind in England reveals
cancer patients have a 20% increased risk of suicide, with
the highest risk seen within the first 6 months of
diagnosis.
The findings of the study, presented at PHE’s Cancer Services, Data
and Outcomes Conference, show cancers with poorer prognoses
are associated with the highest risk, including:
- mesothelioma
- pancreatic cancer
- oesophageal cancer
- lung cancer
- stomach cancer
The reasons are complex and not fully understood, but may
include fear of pain or treatment side-effects.
The study, in collaboration with University College London,
looked at adults diagnosed with malignant cancer over a
20-year period from PHE’s National Cancer
Registration and Analysis Service (NCRAS),
compared with mortality data from the Office for National
Statistics (ONS). It identified
2,491 cancer patients whose cause of death was recorded as
suicide or an open verdict.
Advances in care and treatment mean more people with cancer
are surviving and living longer; however, this study
suggests many are struggling with their diagnosis.
This highlights the need for emotional support – including
targeted psychological screening – to be integrated early
into cancer care, alongside diagnosis and treatment. It is
important for health professionals to consider the risk of
suicide to help avoid potentially preventable deaths.
Dr Jem Rashbass, Cancer Lead at Public Health England said:
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be devastating, which is
why it’s so important for every patient and their carers
to get the support they need. This study shows how
critical the first 6 months are to quality of life and
reducing the risk of suicide.
Health professionals play a vital role in offering
emotional support to cancer patients at this most
difficult time. It is important that they recognise the
signs of depression, especially when their patients may
often have many other physical needs.”
Andrew Kaye, Head of Policy at Macmillan Cancer Support,
said:
Being told you have cancer is like being plunged into the
unknown and can be an incredibly difficult and
frightening time. That’s why it’s so important that
people are given the right support to find their best way
through from the moment they’re diagnosed.
Empowering people with cancer to have difficult
conversations about how they are feeling and providing
vital support are critical to avoiding potentially
preventable deaths. Mental health should be taken just as
seriously as physical health when looking at a patient’s
holistic needs.
