This story discusses suicide.If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).Veterans with cancer face a higher risk of suicide attempts, according to new research from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).The risk is especially prevalent in the months following diagnosis and can persist for years, states the study, which was published in JAMA Oncology.The researchers analyzed Veterans Health Administration data from more than 292,000 veterans with cancer from 2014 to 2023.GRIEVING MOM HOSPITALIZED WITH RARE ‘BROKEN HEART SYNDROME’ AFTER VETERAN SON’S SUICIDEThe data was measured against the rate of suicidal self-directed violence (SSDV), including both fatal and nonfatal suicide attempts, the study stated.Veterans with cancer experienced suicide attempts at a rate of 203 per 100,000, which the researchers noted is "significantly higher than the general population."Those with higher SSDV rates included veterans with severe frailty, chronic mental illness, advanced cancer and high pain scores.
(iStock)The study also found that overwhelming distress tied to disease diagnosis, treatment and long-term effects puts patients at risk "well into survivorship," or long after active treatment is over.The risk was highest in the first six months after diagnosis, but persisted for up to five years.VETERANS' PTSD SYMPTOMS COULD IMPROVE WITH HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY, STUDY SHOWSThose with higher SSDV rates included veterans with severe frailty, chronic mental illness, advanced cancer and high pain scores.High rates of nonfatal attempts were recorded most in veterans under the age of 45, females, and veterans with central nervous system cancer or thyroid cancer.Suicide risk was most prevalent six months after cancer diagnosis, but remained elevated for up to five years.(iStock)Prescription medications were the most common method used in nonfatal suicide attempts, including ...