Cancer-Related Suicide Trends in the U.S. (40-Year Analysis) (2024)

A comprehensive study of nearly 5 million cancer patients over 40 years revealed fluctuating trends in cancer-related suicides in the U.S., with a recent significant decrease likely due to advancements in psychosocial care and cancer treatment. Highlights: Data: Analyzed data from 4,870,410 cancer patients in the US between 1975 and 2017. Trend: Suicide rates increased …

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Eye Retinas as Biomarker for Suicide Risk: Potential of Electroretinography (ERG) in Detection

Electroretinography, a non-invasive retinal scanning technique, shows some promise for detecting suicidal behaviors based on changes in retinal cell signals. However, large scale studies are needed to determine its reliability. Key Facts: Electroretinography (ERG) measures electrical signals from retinal cells in response to light flashes to assess retinal health. ERG wave changes have been linked …

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Social Isolation & Suicide Risk: A Major Public Health Issue & Modifiable Risk Factor

Suicide is a leading cause of premature death worldwide. Social isolation is increasingly recognized as a major risk factor for suicide. Thorough understanding of this relationship is crucial to guide prevention efforts and policy. Key Facts: Nearly 800,000 people die by suicide each year globally, with many more attempting suicide. Social isolation significantly increases suicide …

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Biomarkers & Suicidal Ideation: Advanced Detection for Suicide Prevention

Suicide is a devastating public health problem, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide each year. Understanding the underlying biological and psychological factors that increase suicide risk is key for developing effective prevention and intervention approaches. A recent article comprehensively reviews research on biological markers of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, providing important insights and guidance …

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Adding Lithium to Drinking Water for Suicide Prevention: Controversial Public Health Proposal

Suicide is a major global public health problem, accounting for over 800,000 deaths worldwide each year. Lithium, a mood stabilizing medication, has been proposed as a novel population-level suicide prevention strategy through supplementation of trace doses into the public drinking water supply. This controversial idea has sparked much debate around its ethics, risks, benefits and …

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Asymmetrical EEG Brain Waves & Suicide Risk: No Link Discovered?

Suicide is a major public health problem, with over 700,000 people dying by suicide every year globally. Identifying factors that may indicate risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors is an important area of research, as this could aid prevention and intervention efforts. Some studies have investigated whether asymmetric brain activity, as measured by electroencephalography (EEG), …

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