Veterans with Cancer at Increased Risk of Suicide, Study Reveals
New research from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has highlighted a troubling link between cancer diagnoses and higher suicide risk among veterans. According to the study published in JAMA Oncology, veterans living with cancer face a significantly elevated chance of attempting suicide, particularly within the months following their diagnosis.
The study involved an analysis of health data from over 292,000 veterans with cancer, collected from 2014 to 2023. It found that veterans with cancer attempted suicide at a rate of 203 per 100,000, which is markedly higher than that in the general public.
This increased risk of suicide is especially prevalent during the first six months after diagnosis, but it can persist for up to five years. Factors contributing to this heightened risk include severe frailty, chronic mental health issues, advanced stages of cancer, and high pain levels.
Furthermore, the research revealed that younger veterans, particularly those under 45, and women showed higher rates of nonfatal suicide attempts. The most common methods of these attempts included prescription medications, while firearms were the leading cause of fatal attempts.
Lead researcher Dr. Donald R. Sullivan, an associate professor of medicine at OHSU, emphasized that a cancer diagnosis can be a life-altering shock. “Even cancers with good survival rates can trigger immediate fears about death,” he explained. He noted that the emotional toll, pain, and anxiety associated with treatment can leave veterans feeling incredibly unstable.
Jim Whaley, CEO of Mission Roll Call, a nonprofit group that advocates for veterans, commented on the necessity for further research and action. He expressed the importance of understanding the factors that lead to this situation and sharing these findings with organizations focused on veteran support.
Whaley highlighted that mental health is as critical as physical health for veterans and called for a more proactive approach to help them address their mental well-being. He noted that while veterans are often skilled at supporting each other, they are typically less inclined to seek help for themselves.
The suicide rate among veterans remains alarmingly high, being 425% greater than the number of combat-related deaths since September 11, 2001. Whaley called for a national effort to tackle this ongoing crisis, urging collaboration between research, outreach, and care initiatives.
As veterans face these challenges, it’s essential to ensure they receive the support they need.
