Suicide Rates Among Cancer Patients Are Falling [Video]

Key Takeaways

Cancer patients do have a heightened risk for suicide, but the rate of suicide among this group has declined over the past few decadesImproved outcomes for cancer patients, and better access to counseling and other services, are probably behind the trendDeclines in suicide among people with cancer really picked up speed after about 2013

THURSDAY, May 30, 2024 (HealthDay News) — Even as suicide rates have risen among Americans generally, one group appears to be bucking that trend: People diagnosed with cancer.

Experts are crediting improved access to counseling and other “psychosocial care” with easing the emotional toll of cancer and keeping more patients from making tragic decisions.

Nevertheless, cancer patients still face elevated risks for suicide, noted a team led by Dr. Qiang Liu of the National Cancer Center at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences in Beijing.

“The cancer-related suicide rate is estimated to be double that of the general population …