Abstract
PurposeSuicidality and suicidal ideation (SI) in oncology has long been an underestimated danger. Although there are cancer-specific distress screening tools available, none of these specifically incorporates items for SI. We examined the prevalence of SI in cancer patients, investigated the relation between SI and distress, and tried to identify additional associated factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study with patients treated for cancer in a primary care hospital was conducted. Psychosocial distress and SI in 226 patients was assessed. An expert rating scale (PO-Bado-SF) and a self-assessment instrument (QSC-R23) were used to measure distress. SI was assessed with item 9 of the PHQ-9. Data was descriptively analyzed, and correlations and group comparisons between clinically distressed and non-distressed patients were calculated.ResultsSI was reported by 15% of patients. Classified as clinically distressed were 24.8% (QSC-R23) to 36.7% (PO-Bado-SF). SI was correlated with externally (rτ = 0.19, p < 0.001) and self-rated distress (rτ = 0.31, p < 0.001). Symptoms sufficiently severe for at least a medium major depressive episode were recorded in 23.5% of patients (PHQ-9). Factors associated with SI were feeling bad about oneself, feeling down, depressed, and hopeless, deficits in activities of daily life, psycho-somatic afflictions, social restrictions, and restrictions in daily life. Being in a steady relationship seemed to have a protective effect.ConclusionsSI is common in cancer patients. Distress and associated factors are increased in patients with SI. A distress screening with the ability to assess SI could be an important step in prevention, but more research is necessary.
Highlights
Numerous studies show a higher prevalence of suicides in cancer patients compared to the general population [1, 2]
We found a correlation of Suicidal ideation (SI) with the remaining symptoms of a major depressive episode (MDE; patient health questionnaire (PHQ)-9 without item 9: rτ = 0.32, p < 0.001)
In this study we investigated the prevalence of suicidal thoughts as measured by item 9 of the PHQ-9 in cancer patients who were hospitalized in a primary care hospital
Summary
Numerous studies show a higher prevalence of suicides in cancer patients compared to the general population [1, 2]. Suicidal ideation (SI) is elevated in cancer patients. Suicidal thoughts in cancer patients can have different functions throughout the disease trajectory [3, 4], they are still an important predictor of suicidality [5]. A study by Brown et al [6] showed that even passive suicidal thoughts, like a wish to die, can result in a six times elevated risk of suicide. Identifying patients having suicidal thoughts with the help of a screening procedure can be a starting point for prevention [7, 8].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
