For some of us, taking care of our cancer patients involves the physical care. We might recommend surgery for our prostate cancer patients. Or we might order a certain chemotherapy regimen for a woman with ovarian cancer. Of course, we know that their mental health is extremely important, but we tend to focus on our area of expertise.
However, new research published in the journal Cancer (published by the American Cancer Society) stresses the importance of our patients’ mental health, especially in terms of suicide risk.
A group of researchers from the Medical College of Georgia-Georgia Regents University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center report that suicide risk among genitourinary cancer patients “poses a public health dilemma.”
They compared the incidence rates of suicide among genitourinary cancer patients with those of the general U.S. population. Using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, they looked at information for patients with prostate, bladder, kidney, testis, or penile cancer from 1988 to 2010.
Among 1,239,522 patients with these cancers, 2,268 patients committed suicide.
About 71% of these suicides were committed by prostate cancer patients, followed by 19% for bladder cancer patients and 6% by kidney cancer patients.
The authors also found the following:
- Suicides among prostate cancer patients increased over time, with the highest incidence at least fifteen years following diagnosis.
- More patients with bladder cancer took their lives within the first five years after diagnosis than any other time.
- Kidney cancer patients were more likely to commit suicide during the first five years after diagnosis, but the incidence for this group decreased over time.
- Male sex was strongly associated with higher suicide rates among bladder and kidney cancer patients.
- Patients with prostate, bladder, or testis cancer were more likely to commit suicide as they got older.
- Suicide incidence rates among African-Americans with prostate, bladder, or kidney cancer were lower than those of white patients with these cancers. However, rates were higher for African-American patients with bladder cancer.
Overall, the authors noted that bladder and kidney cancer patients were at the highest risk for suicide.
Many factors can contribute to suicide and ultimately, a person’s decision to end his or her life is a personal one. However, the authors noted that a poor prognosis, financial struggles, depression, and anxiety can all be involved. For example, watchful waiting can bring much anxiety to the prostate cancer patient. And bladder cancer patients may feel they’re becoming a burden to those who care for them.
What can healthcare providers do? Keeping our eyes open for suicidal thoughts among our patients – and getting them help - is the first step. While this may sound obvious, it’s important to know what to look for, how to talk to at-risk patients, and where to refer them if necessary. To that end, the study authors suggested the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) for resources and guidelines.
However, we can also talk to our colleagues, especially if we are part of a cancer care team. Other providers might notice changes in patients that we don’t. We can also stay in touch with mental health organizations and learn more about the resources available in our community.
Resources
Cancer
Klaassen, Zachary, MD, et al.
“Factors associated with suicide in patients with genitourinary malignancies”
(Full-text. First published online: February 17, 2015)
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cncr.29274/abstract
You may also be interested in...
Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Throw off Your Vaginal pH Balance?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Your vagina is a pretty powerful organ. It is a pathway for menstrual blood and babies. It also is a main player in sexual intercourse. You might hear about your vagina’s pH and worry that yours is at risk. Here’s what to know about vaginal pH, including the impacts sex could have.
