Suicide Risk Among Individuals Diagnosed With Cancer in the US, 2000-2016

Key Points Question What is the suicide risk associated with cancer in the US, and what are sociodemographic and clinical risk factors for suicide among individuals diagnosed with cancer? Findings In this population-based cohort study of individuals diagnosed with cancer in 2000 to 2016 from 43 states, suicide risk was 26% higher compared with the general population, with insurance status and ethnicity contributing to the elevated risk. Higher suicide risks were seen among individuals with poor-prognosis cancers within 2 years of diagnosis and with cancers prone to long-term quality-of-life impairments after 2 years. Meaning These findings suggest that timely symptom management and targeted psychosocial interventions are warranted for suicide prevention in individuals diagnosed with cancer.