Preventing Suicide in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Suicide is a major public health problem in the United States and since 2008 it has been the 8th leading cause of death among men and the 10th leading cause of death among men and women combined. Despite a 2015 national prevention effort aiming to reduce suicide rates 20% by 2025, suicide rates are trending higher. Even with alarmingly high rates of suicide in the general population, the rate is significantly higher among cancer survivors. Suicide is also a significant burden amongst those with head and neck cancer, significantly exceeding the suicide mortality risk in the general population. It is imperative to understand the causes and effects of suicide to develop suicide screening interventions among cancer survivors. Failure to identify patients at risk for suicide and refer them to appropriate mental health services results in preventable deaths in this high-risk population. Despite evidence supporting routine screening and referral for patients with head and neck cancer at risk of suicide, widespread adoption remains elusive.

Patient suicide not only affects family members, but it also affects their Otolaryngology care team (physicians, psychologist, and allied health staff). Knowing a patient took their own life and replaying visits to look for warning signs has a negative effect on provider mental health. They may remember the patient’s suicide for years after the episode. Thus, it is important to understand the influence of patient’s suicide on Otolaryngology providers. The objectives of this proposal are to 1) talk about the epidemiology of suicide 2) share the experience of clinical psychologists who counsel patients about suicide risks and 3) share the experience of providers who have had patients die by suicide.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Attendees will be able to describe suicide rates among patients with head and neck cancer and the general population.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Attendees will be able to recognize the effects of suicide on healthcare providers well-being and quality of life.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Attendees will recognize the importance of screening patients for suicidality.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Patient suicide significantly affects the well-being of their families. While the effect on healthcare providers is rarely discussed, it is significant and remains with them for an extended time. To reduce the burden of suicide, screening and counseling patients at risk is warranted.