Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining suicide mortality and suicidal ideation among patients with colorectal cancer

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is strongly associated with an increased risk of suicide; however, studies examining suicidality in patiens with colorectal cancer (CRC) show some inconsistencies. Systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 studies, encompassing 1,204,072 patients with CRC cancer of whon 2,731 died by suicide, found a significantly increased suicide risk for CRC-patients. The pooled standardized mortality ratio was 1.40 (95% CI 1.33-1.49) compared to the general popupation. Subgroup analyses revealed notably higher suicide risk among patients with metastatic disease (SMR 3.63; 95% CI 2.99-4.41), those under 40 years of age (2.15; 1.60-2.88), and individuals diagnosed in the past six months (2.69; 1.29-5.61). For suicidal ideation, there were no differences between patients with CRC and reference groups, such as cancer-free individuals (SMR 1.70; 95% CI 0.65-4.42) or patients with hepatic cancer (1.14; 0.94-1.38). The authors conclude that these results indicate the need for comprehensive psychological screening in patients with CRC, with particular attention for those with metastatic disease, younger patients, and those recently diagnosed.