SUICIDE IN HEAD AND NECK-CANCER PATIENTS

Purpose: it has been well documented that patients with a diagnosis of cancer are at an increased risk of committing suicide. However, there is a paucity of literature on the risk of suicide in the head and nec k cancer patient. The purpose of this investigation was to determine t he incidence of suicide and expressed suicidal intent in a series of s uch cancer patients. Patients and Methods: A retrospective chart revie w of 241 patients who were diagnosed with head and neck cancer at the University of Maryland Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Oncology Divisio n was done. Results: Three patients were identified who committed suic ide, 1.2% of the series,Two patients expressed suicidal intent, and fo ur patients refused all treatment and counseling, preferring to die of their disease. Conclusions: Head and neck cancer patients have many o f the same risk factors for suicide as patients with other forms of ca ncer. To reduce this risk, it is essential that the surgeon maintain g ood rapport with the patient, because this serves as a foundation for all other aspects of their therapy. in addition, these patients need t o be fully evaluated for depression, hopelessness, pain, and other fac tors important in raising the possibility of suicide, and appropriate, aggressive management must be provided.