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Greydanus DE, Nazeer A, Qayyum Z, Patel DR, Rausch R, Hoang LN, Miller C, Chahin S, Apple RW, Saha G, Prasad Rao G, Javed A. Pediatric suicide: Review of a preventable tragedy. Dis Mon 2024; 70:101725. [PMID: 38480023 DOI: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2024.101725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Concepts of suicide are explored in this issue with a focus on suicide in children and adolescents. The epidemiology of pediatric suicide in the United States is reviewed; also, risk and protective factors, as well as prevention strategies, are discussed. Suicide in the pediatric athlete and the potential protective effect of exercise are examined. In addition, this analysis addresses the beneficial role of psychological management as well as current research on pharmacologic treatment and brain stimulation procedures as part of comprehensive pediatric suicide prevention. Though death by suicide in pediatric persons has been and remains a tragic phenomenon, there is much that clinicians, other healthcare professionals, and society itself can accomplish in the prevention of pediatric suicide as well as the management of suicidality in our children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald E Greydanus
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States.
| | - Ahsan Nazeer
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Sidra Medicine/Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Zheala Qayyum
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Dilip R Patel
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Rebecca Rausch
- Division of Pediatric Psychology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Linh-Nhu Hoang
- Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Caroline Miller
- Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Summer Chahin
- Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Roger W Apple
- Division of Pediatric Psychology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Gautam Saha
- Immediate Past President of the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Psychiatric Federation (SPF), India
| | - G Prasad Rao
- President, Asian Federation of Psychiatric Association (AFPA), India
| | - Afzal Javed
- Chairman Pakistan Psychiatric Research Centre, Immediate Past President of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), Pakistan
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McGrady ME, Willard VW, Williams AM, Brinkman TM. Psychological Outcomes in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors. J Clin Oncol 2024; 42:707-716. [PMID: 37967297 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.01465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of cancer during adolescent and young adulthood (AYA) may alter the development and psychological trajectory of survivors across their lifespan. The current review focuses broadly on emotional health, social functioning, health behaviors, and cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) among AYA survivors. Overall, AYA survivors appear to be at elevated risk of emotional distress symptoms, mood and anxiety disorders, suicide, and mental health care service utilization compared with individuals without a cancer history. Difficulties with social relationships and reduced achievement of expected social outcomes including educational attainment and employment have been reported. Despite risk for health-related morbidities, including subsequent neoplasms, many AYA survivors do not engage in health behaviors at the recommended levels for physical activity, diet, or tobacco and alcohol use. Although CRCI has not been comprehensively characterized in this population, subgroups of AYA survivors appear to be at risk for experiencing CRCI, including survivors of central nervous system tumors, Hodgkin lymphoma, testicular, and breast cancer. Across each considered domain of psychological functioning, intervention efforts have largely focused on acceptability and feasibility with an increasing focus on e/mHealth approaches. Future research should include multiphase studies, including randomized controlled trials designed to evaluate intervention efficacy and effectiveness. It is imperative that psychological interventions consider the unique needs of AYA survivors by developmental stage and across multiple levels of influence (patient, support system, institution, and health care system).
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan E McGrady
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Patient and Family Wellness Center, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Victoria W Willard
- Department of Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - AnnaLynn M Williams
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, Rochester, NY
| | - Tara M Brinkman
- Department of Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
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Francis-Levin N, Ghazal LV, Francis-Levin J, Zebrack B, Chen M, Zhang A. Exploring the Relationship between Self-Rated Health and Unmet Cancer Needs among Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:9291-9303. [PMID: 37887571 PMCID: PMC10605547 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30100671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study evaluates the unmet needs of sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors by comparing SGM AYA self-rated health (SRH) scores to their non-SGM (i.e., cisgender/heterosexual) counterparts. The Cancer Needs Questionnaire-Young People (CNQ-YP) and self-rated health measures were used to assess unmet needs in AYAs aged 15-39 who had been diagnosed with cancer in the previous ten years (n = 342). Participants were recruited from a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Comprehensive Cancer Center registry using the modified Dillman's method. Self-reported sexual orientation and gender identity (SO/GI) data were collected. Independent t-tests were used to test between-group differences in unmet needs and Pearson's chi-square test was used to determine the difference in SRH scores between SGM and non-SGM AYA cancer survivors. SGM AYA cancer survivors reported greater mean needs than their non-SGM counterparts across all six domains and reported significantly greater needs in the domains of Feelings and Relationships, t(314) = -2.111, p = 0.036, Information and Activities, t(314) = -2.594, p = 0.009, and Education, t(207) = -3.289, p < 0.001. SGM versus non-SGM SRH scores were significantly different, indicating that a higher percentage of SGM AYAs reported poor/fair health compared to those who were non-SGM. Unmet life and activities needs were negatively associated with AYA cancer survivors' SRH, whereas unmet work needs were positively associated with AYA cancer survivors' SRH. An AYA's gender identity (SGM versus non-SGM) was not a moderator. SGM AYAs are an understudied group within an already vulnerable patient population. Unmet psychosocial needs related to one's feelings and relationships, and information and activity needs merit further research to develop tailored interventions that reflect the experiences of SGM AYAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Francis-Levin
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Diabetes, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Lauren V. Ghazal
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
| | - Jess Francis-Levin
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA;
| | - Bradley Zebrack
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (B.Z.); (M.C.)
| | - Meiyan Chen
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (B.Z.); (M.C.)
| | - Anao Zhang
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (B.Z.); (M.C.)
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Grobman B, Mansur A, Babalola D, Srinivasan AP, Antonio JM, Lu CY. Suicide among Cancer Patients: Current Knowledge and Directions for Observational Research. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6563. [PMID: 37892700 PMCID: PMC10607431 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a major public health concern associated with an increased risk of psychosocial distress and suicide. The reasons for this increased risk are still being characterized. The purpose of this study is to highlight existing observational studies on cancer-related suicides in the United States and identify gaps for future research. This work helps inform clinical and policy decision-making on suicide prevention interventions and ongoing research on the detection and quantification of suicide risk among cancer patients. We identified 73 peer-reviewed studies (2010-2022) that examined the intersection of cancer and suicide using searches of PubMed and Embase. Overall, the reviewed studies showed that cancer patients have an elevated risk of suicide when compared to the general population. In general, the risk was higher among White, male, and older cancer patients, as well as among patients living in rural areas and with lower socioeconomic status. Future studies should further investigate the psychosocial aspects of receiving a diagnosis of cancer on patients' mental health as well as the impact of new treatments and their availability on suicide risk and disparities among cancer patients to better inform policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Grobman
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (B.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Arian Mansur
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (B.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Dolapo Babalola
- College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200285, Nigeria;
| | | | | | - Christine Y. Lu
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, The Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2064, Australia
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Michalek IM, Caetano dos Santos FL, Wojciechowska U, Didkowska J. Suicide after a Diagnosis of Cancer: Follow-Up of 1.4 Million Individuals, 2009-2019. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4315. [PMID: 37686591 PMCID: PMC10486959 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The study explores whether Polish cancer patients face elevated suicide risk, emphasizing the vital need to comprehend and mitigate their unique mental health struggles. Methods: We conducted a cohort study based on Polish National Cancer Registry data (diagnosis in 2009-2019). Age-, sex-, and year-standardized mortality ratios (SMR) are presented with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) overall and by sex. Results: The study included 1.43 million individuals diagnosed with cancer. There were 830 suicide cases in this group. The overall SMR for suicide was 1.34 (95% CI 1.25-1.43). The highest risk of suicide death was observed in the first six months after diagnosis (SMR = 1.94, 1.69-2.21): cancers of the heart and pleura (19.15, 2.32-69.18), an unspecified site (3.99, 1.09-10.22), and the esophagus (3.34, 1.08-7.79). The highest overall risk of suicide after cancer diagnosis was observed in esophageal (2.94, 1.47-5.26), gastric (2.70, 2.00-3.57), cervical (2.20, 1.06-4.05), and head and neck cancers (2.06, 1.52-2.72). Conclusions: Patients with cancer face significantly higher suicide risk, peaking within six months post-diagnosis. Urgent integration of suicide risk screening and prevention into cancer care is crucial, supporting mental well-being and guiding proactive healthcare strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irmina Maria Michalek
- Polish National Cancer Registry, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
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Michalek IM, Caetano Dos Santos FL, Wojciechowska U, Didkowska J. Suicide risk among adolescents and young adults after cancer diagnosis: analysis of 34 cancer groups from 2009 to 2019. J Cancer Surviv 2023; 17:657-662. [PMID: 36930435 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-023-01358-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to identify granular groups with an increased risk of suicide among adolescents and young adult (AYA) patients with a previous malignant neoplasm diagnosis. METHODS We deployed a cohort of all cases of primary malignant neoplasms diagnosed between the 1st of January 2009 and the 31st of December 2019 among individuals aged 15-39 years registered in the Polish National Cancer Registry. To assess the risk of suicide in comparison with the general AYA population, we calculated sex-age-year standardized mortality ratios (SMR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS A total of 50,298 cancer patients (22,111 men and 28,187 women) were included in this study. The risk of suicide for AYA after cancer diagnosis was 2.39-fold higher than that for AYA in the general population (SMR 2.39, 95% CI 1.69 to 3.28). The risk in women (SMR 4.18, 95% CI 1.68 to 8.62) was higher than that in men (SMR 2.18, 95% CI 1.48 to 3.09). A significantly higher risk of suicide was observed in men with testicular cancer (SMR 2.46, 95% CI 1.37 to 4.05). CONCLUSIONS Polish AYA diagnosed with cancer had an almost 2.5-fold higher risk of suicide than the general AYA population. The particular risk group was men with testicular cancer within 2-3 and 5-10 years after cancer diagnosis. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS To better identify patients at risk of suicide, there is a need to create or adapt screening tools, educate cancer care providers and family physicians, and integrate psychological services into select cancer care specialties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irmina Maria Michalek
- Polish National Cancer Registry, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland.
- Epidemiology Department, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland.
| | | | - Urszula Wojciechowska
- Polish National Cancer Registry, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Didkowska
- Polish National Cancer Registry, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
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Heynemann S, Thompson K, Moncur D, Silva S, Jayawardana M, Lewin J. Risk factors associated with suicide in adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer. Cancer Med 2021; 10:7339-7346. [PMID: 34586755 PMCID: PMC8525084 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Higher rates of death by suicide are recognized both in individuals of any age with cancer and, separately, among adolescents and young adults (AYA) without cancer. Given this intersection, identifying risk factors associated with suicidal risk among AYA with cancer is critical. Objective To identify characteristics associated with suicide among AYA with cancer. Methods A retrospective analysis of AYA (aged 15–39) during 1975–2016 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was conducted. Clinical and demographic factors associated with death by suicide among the AYA cancer population were compared to (i) US population normative data (standardized mortality ratios [SMRs]) and (ii) other AYA individuals with cancer (odds ratios). Results In total, 922 suicides were found in 500,366 AYA with cancer (0.18%), observed for 3,198,261 person‐years. The SMR for AYA with cancer was 34.1 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 31.4–36.9). Suicide risk was particularly high in females (SMR = 43.4, 95% CI: 37.2–50.4), unmarried persons (SMR = 50.6, 95% CI: 44.7–57.1), those with metastatic disease (SMR = 45.2, 95% CI: 33.1–60.3), or certain histological subtypes (leukemia, central nervous system, and soft tissue sarcoma). Risk generally reduced over time, however remained elevated ≥5 years following a cancer diagnosis (SMR > 5 years = 28.1, 95% CI: 25.4–31.0). When comparing those who died from suicide and those who did not, the following factors demonstrated significant associations: sex (males > females), race (White ethnicity > Black/other ethnicity), relationship status (never married > other), and disease stage (distant > localized). Conclusions Death due to suicide/non‐accidental injury is high compared to normative data, requiring increased awareness among health‐care providers, suicide risk monitoring in AYA, and appropriately tailored psychosocial interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Heynemann
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate Thompson
- ONTrac at Peter Mac Victorian Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Donovan Moncur
- ONTrac at Peter Mac Victorian Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sandun Silva
- Department of Statistics, Data Science and Epidemiology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia.,NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Madawa Jayawardana
- Office of Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeremy Lewin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,ONTrac at Peter Mac Victorian Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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