• A study recently published in BMJ Psychiatry looked for the trends in suicide among cancer patients in India.

• It was a secondary analysis wherein data regarding suicides among cancer patients was collected from the National Bureau of Criminal Records.

• The findings suggested that a total of 2.96 million cases of suicide were noticed in India, of which 0.67% were cancer-related.

• Also, suicides among cancer patients have increased by 53% from 1997 to 2020 in India.

• There was a significantly higher number of suicidal deaths among males when compared to females.

• Out of the total suicidal deaths among cancer patients, 70% were found to be male patients.

• Also, in the last 4 years, approximately 9 per 1000 cancer patients have died by suicide.

• Multiple factors can be a cause of these high numbers, such as 

1. Poor prognosis 

2. Depression 

3. Anxiety

4. Financial burden

5. Social stigma

6. Painful treatment modalities

• The study highlights the urgent need to address the mental health needs of patients with cancer and provide them with adequate counseling and support.

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