Gender differences in suicidal deaths among cancer patients. A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Objective

This review and meta-analysis aims to assess suicide rates among cancer patients by sex, race/ethnicity, and marital status. Cancer impacts psychological, emotional, and financial aspects of daily life, increasing stress and suicide risk. Some sociodemographic determinants appear to be influential in determining the risk of suicide.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out following PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines, using Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.

Results

Nine studies were included.   Between-study heterogeneity among the selected studies was substantial (I²=98.1%), thereby warranting caution in the interpretation of the pooled estimates. No significant difference in suicide rates was found between male and female patients. Significant differences in suicide incidences were found across race/ethnicity, except between unknown and white race/ethnicity. Black patients had the highest suicide rates. Unmarried patients had the highest suicide probabilities.

Conclusions

Focusing on sociodemographic features is crucial for effective suicide prevention among cancer patients. Sex, race/ethnicity, and marital status are sociodemographic variables that may contribute to the overall risk; thus, these characteristics should be interpreted as markers of broader psychosocial and contextual vulnerability rather than as direct causal determinants of suicide.