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. 2024 Oct;33(10):e70007.
doi: 10.1002/pon.70007.

Suicide in Gynecological and Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review

Alessio Simonetti  1   2 , Ottavia Marianna Ferrara  3 , Georgios D Kotzalidis  1   3 , Evelina Bernardi  3 , Antonio Restaino  3 , Lorenzo Moccia  1 , Giovanni Camardese  1 , Marianna Mazza  1 , Giovanni Scambia  4   5 , Gabriele Sani  1   3
Affiliations

Suicide in Gynecological and Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review

Alessio Simonetti et al. Psychooncology. 2024 Oct.

Abstract

Objectives: Depression and suicide rates are high among cancer sufferers. Women with breast and gynecological cancer show high levels of distress, depressive symptoms, cognitive impairment, and anxiety. Understanding suicide rates and risk factors in this population would represent a viable tool in planning tailored, prevention strategies. The objective of this study was to estimate suicide rate and identify the determinants of suicide risk in women with breast and other gynecologic cancer.

Methods: A systematic research was performed in PubMed and PsycINFO from anytime to September 26, 2023. The following search strategy was used: (Gynaecol* OR Gynecolog*) AND (cancer OR tumor OR tumor OR neoplas* OR malignan*) AND suicid*. In this review, we adhered to PRISMA statement.

Results: Nine papers met inclusion criteria. Women with breast or gynecological cancers showed higher suicide rates compared to the general population. Ovarian cancer was associated with higher suicide risk and suicidal ideation compared to other gynecological cancers. The extent of surgical demolition was positively associated with both. Psychological factors, such as self-perceived burden and alexithymia, might also influence suicidal thinking.

Conclusions: Women with breast and gynecological cancer are at high risk of suicide. Intervention aimed to reduce burden related to psychological factors might help reducing such risk.

Keywords: breast cancer; depression; gynecological cancer; psycho oncology; suicide.

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