Veterans who receive a cancer diagnosis are at a significantly increased risk of suicide, a recent study from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) reveals. The research, published in JAMA Oncology, analyzed data from the Veterans Health Administration covering over 292,000 veterans diagnosed with cancer between 2014 and 2023.
Heightened Risk in Early Months
The study found that the risk of suicide attempts is particularly high in the months immediately following a cancer diagnosis, with the risk persisting for up to five years. The rate of suicide attempts among veterans with cancer was recorded at 203 per 100,000, markedly higher than the general population.
Factors contributing to this increased risk include overwhelming distress related to the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term effects of cancer. Veterans with severe frailty, chronic mental illness, advanced cancer, and high pain scores were identified as having higher rates of suicidal self-directed violence (SSDV).
Demographic Insights
The study also highlighted that nonfatal suicide attempts were most common among veterans under 45, females, and those with central nervous system or thyroid cancers. Prescription medications, including opioids, were frequently used in nonfatal attempts, while firearms were the most common method in fatal attempts.
Public Health Concerns
Dr. Donald R. Sullivan, the lead author of the study, emphasized the need for increased awareness and support for veterans facing cancer diagnoses. He described the situation as a “concerning public health crisis” affecting America’s servicemen and servicewomen disproportionately.
Jim Whaley, CEO of Mission Roll Call, a nonprofit veteran advocacy group, echoed these concerns, calling for more research and action to address the high suicide rates among veterans with cancer. He stressed the importance of understanding the factors leading to these outcomes and sharing study findings with veteran support organizations nationwide.
Call for Comprehensive Support
Whaley also highlighted the need for a holistic approach to veteran health, encompassing both mental and physical well-being. He noted that while veterans are often adept at supporting each other, they may struggle to seek help themselves, underscoring the importance of vigilance among loved ones and the veteran community for signs of mental health decline.
The study’s findings come in the context of a broader national crisis, with veteran suicides reported to be 425% higher than combat deaths since 9/11. Whaley called for a national-level task force to address this ongoing issue through combined efforts in research, outreach, and care.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
