Incidence, timing, and factors associated with suicide among patients undergoing surgery for cancer in the US

While many studies have assessed the risk of suicide among all patients diagnosed with cancer, the risk and timing of suicide among patients who undergo cancer operations remain largely unknown. A retrospective cohort study using SEER data on 1,811,397 patients undergoing cancer surgery found that the incidence of suicide, compared with the general US population, was statistically significantly higher among patients undergoing surgery for 10 of the 15 cancers assessed, with approximately 50% of suicides committed within the first 3 years after surgery. Patients who were male, White, and divorced or single had the greatest risk of suicide. The authors conclude that these findings suggest the need to implement suicide screening programs among patients undergoing cancer operations.