OHSU Study Finds Veterans With Cancer Face 203-per-100,000 Suicide Attempt Rate for 5 Years
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 1
OHSU Study Finds Veterans With Cancer Face 203-per-100,000 Suicide Attempt Rate for 5 Years
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 1
More than 292,000 veterans with cancer in Veterans Health Administration data from 2014 to 2023 showed suicidal self-directed violence at 203 per 100,000, a JAMA Oncology study found.
The risk peaked in the first six months after diagnosis and stayed elevated for up to five years, which researchers linked to the shock of diagnosis, pain, treatment side effects, anxiety and depression.
Higher rates appeared in veterans with severe frailty, chronic mental illness, advanced cancer and high pain scores; nonfatal attempts were more common among those under 45, women, and patients with central nervous system or thyroid cancers.
Prescription drugs, including opioids, were the most common method in nonfatal attempts, while firearms were most common in fatal attempts; the observational study showed association, not causation.
Researchers and veteran advocates said the findings point to a need for stronger mental-health screening, outreach and support for veterans after a cancer diagnosis.
Is a hidden link between toxic exposure and cancer driving the alarming spike in veteran suicide rates?
With millions spent on suicide prevention, why are federal programs failing to reach the most at-risk veterans?
Suicide Risk Among Veterans With Cancer: New OHSU Data Underscores Urgent Public Health Crisis
Overview
A major national study led by OHSU found that veterans diagnosed with cancer face a much higher risk of suicide attempts. The report shows that a cancer diagnosis is a profoundly destabilizing event for veterans, often causing immediate fear of death and a challenging mental state. This emotional shock, combined with physical pain, severe treatment side effects, and worsening anxiety or depression, leads to significantly increased rates of suicidal self-directed violence. The study highlights that veterans with severe frailty, chronic mental illness, or advanced cancer are especially at risk, underscoring the urgent need for targeted support and intervention.