A study from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) indicates that veterans diagnosed with cancer have a higher risk of suicide attempts, particularly in the months following their diagnosis. The research, published in JAMA Oncology, analyzed data from over 292,000 veterans with cancer between 2014 and 2023. The study found that the rate of suicide attempts among these veterans was 203 per 100,000, significantly higher than that of the general population. The risk of suicide attempts was most pronounced in the first six months after diagnosis but could persist for up to five years. Factors contributing to higher rates of suicidal self-directed violence (SSDV) included severe frailty, chronic mental illness, advanced cancer, and high pain scores. The study noted that prescription medications were commonly used in nonfatal attempts, while firearms were more prevalent in fatal attempts. Lead author Donald R. Sullivan, MD, expressed concern over the findings, highlighting the need for better support for veterans facing cancer diagnoses. Jim Whaley, CEO of Mission Roll Call, emphasized the importance of understanding the factors leading to these outcomes and the necessity for improved mental health resources for veterans.
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Study finds increased suicide risk among veterans with cancer
Research from OHSU reveals that veterans with cancer face a significantly higher risk of suicide attempts, particularly in the months following diagnosis. The study analyzed data from over 292,000 veterans and found that the risk persists for years after diagnosis, with various factors contributing to the elevated suicide rates.
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Donald R. Sullivan, MD
Jim Whaley
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Bias Analysis
Bias score
45/100
wirepublicmainstream
flavoredpartisanadvocacy
Inflammatory language
11/100
Sentiment
-20/100
Bias Indicators Removed
- ✕ loaded language: 'surprising threat'
- ✕ loaded language: 'concerning public health crisis'
- ✕ loaded language: 'profound shock'
- ✕ loaded language: 'incredibly destabilizing'
- ✕ loaded language: 'national crisis'
- ✕ loaded language: 'scourge'
- ✕ framing: headline asserting a conclusion
- ✕ framing: selective emphasis on the severity of the issue
- ✕ editorializing: The study shows that more investigation and action is needed to medicate the higher percentage of veterans diagnosed with cancer committing suicide
Original vs. Neutral
Original Headline
Veterans face surprising threat after cancer diagnosis, study reveals
Neutral Headline
Study finds increased suicide risk among veterans with cancer