A new study from Oregon Health & Science University reveals that veterans with cancer face a significantly higher risk of suicide attempts. Published in JAMA Oncology, the research analyzed data from over 292,000 veterans in the Veterans Health Administration from 2014 to 2023. The attempted suicide rate was 203 per 100,000, far exceeding the general population.
The risk is highest in the first six months after diagnosis but can persist for up to five years. Veterans with severe frailty, chronic mental illness, advanced cancer, and high pain scores were most at risk. Nonfatal attempts were most common among veterans under 45, females, and those with central nervous system or thyroid cancer. Prescription opioids were the most common method in nonfatal attempts; firearms were most common in fatal ones.
Lead author Dr. Donald R. Sullivan called it a public health crisis. Jim Whaley of Mission Roll Call noted that veteran suicides are 425% higher than combat deaths since 9/11, calling for a national task force.