Abstract
ObjectiveSuicide is one of the main reasons cited behind the death rate of cancer, and suicidal ideation (SI) is the first step toward it. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associates of suicidal ideation in newly-diagnosed Chinese cancer patients.MethodsThis multicenter study was conducted from January 2018 to September 2019. Eligible participants were asked to complete a Case Record Form (CRF), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), General Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7), Fear of Cancer Recurrence Questionnaire (FCRQ-7), and McGill Pain Questionnaire-Visual Analogue Scale (MPQ-VAS). Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted for assessment.ResultsOut of 603 patients, 91 (15.1%, 95%CI: 12.23%–17.96%) reported suicidal ideation in the last 2 weeks. Physical comorbidities (OR=1.808, P=0.039), childhood adversity experience (OR=5.999, P=0.001), cancer pain (OR=1.828, P=0.047), depression (OR=2.811, P=0.013), and anxiety (OR=6.532, P<0.001) were significantly associated with suicidal ideation. It was also found that patients who regularly exercised were less likely to report suicidal thoughts (OR=0.172, P=0.007).ConclusionPhysical comorbidities, body ache, and mood disturbances are possible risk factors for suicidal ideation that warrant further attention in clinical practice. Preventive measures, such as systematic screening and arrangement for regular check-ups, could be beneficial to lower the risk of suicide.
Highlights
Emotional distress is considered as the sixth vital sign targeting a cancer patient’s well-being along with signs of respiration, body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and pain [1]
Suicide is one of the main reasons subscribed behind the death rate affecting cancer
Spoletini et al found a higher risk of suicide in cancer patients compared to the general population [7], and Anguiano et al reported that there is a “suicide peak” in the first year after initial cancer diagnosis [8]
Summary
Emotional distress is considered as the sixth vital sign targeting a cancer patient’s well-being along with signs of respiration, body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and pain [1]. With the growing awareness and pivotal attention being paid to mental health, a number of researchers in the field of oncology have focused on cancer patients’ psychological wellbeing. These have subsequently reported a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and suicidality as a part of it [2,3,4,5,6]. Spoletini et al found a higher risk of suicide in cancer patients compared to the general population [7], and Anguiano et al reported that there is a “suicide peak” in the first year after initial cancer diagnosis [8]. It is of significance to identify the pattern for suicidal ideation and its correlates in this population to further help clinicians adopt a more appropriate strategy and interventions to reduce the risk of suicide
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.
