Assessment of suicidal risk factors in cancer patients attending an oncology unit at Suez Canal University Hospital

Abstract EN

Objective : In the current study, we assess the frequency of suicidal thoughts and associated risk factors in cancer patients attending an oncology unit at the Suez Canal University Hospital to identify appropriate interventions and to identify real figures for the suicide levels in our society.

Method: Eighty cancer patients were assessed for suicidal risk using the Scale for Impact of Suicidality and clinical interview to diagnose underlying psychiatric disorders according to DSM5.

Results : Results suggested the majority of cancer patients had no suicidal risk, which represented 85%, while 7.5% carried low suicidal risk, 6.25% carry serious suicidal risk and 1.3% carry moderate risk.

The risk factors significantly associated with suicidal risk were cancer stage, personality, psychiatric disorders, psychosocial problems (supportive, social group and housing problems), physical and emotional abuse and protective factors (faith, family support, having children, good self-esteem, good home environment and good economic state).

Demographic features (age, gender, marital status and number of children), cancer site, duration of cancer diagnosis, presence of severe pain or physical disability, cancer treatment and family history of suicide or mental illness were not significantly associated with suicidal risk.

Conclusion : Faith, family support, having children, good self-esteem, good home environment and good economic state are protective factors against suicide in cancer patients.