Suicidality risk of cancer caregivers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
Xia-Yin Zhu, Lu-Yi Hu, Min-Ya Jin et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies examined suicidality risk among cancer caregivers. Seven studies included 638,188 exposed subjects and 4,203,957 nonexposed subjects. Pooled estimates showed higher suicidality among caregivers: the odds ratio was 1.91 (95% CI: 1.46-2.49) across studies reporting ORs, and the adjusted hazard ratio was 1.32 (95% CI: 1.16-1.50) across three cohort studies. Risk was also elevated for caregivers of patients with highly aggressive cancers and during the first 7 years after diagnosis.
Key findings
- Across three cohort studies, caregivers had higher suicidality risk than nonexposed subjects (aHR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.16-1.50).
- The pooled OR from studies reporting odds ratios was 1.91 (95% CI: 1.46-2.49).
- Caregivers of patients with highly aggressive cancers had greater risk (aHR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.48-1.86).
- Risk remained elevated within the first 7 years after a patient's cancer diagnosis (aHR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.04-1.94).
Why it matters
The findings indicate that suicidality may be an important concern beyond the patient, affecting people providing cancer care as well. The elevated estimates, including among caregivers of patients with highly aggressive cancers, support awareness of caregiver mental health as part of the broader response to cancer-related burden. Because the evidence is observational, the results identify risk patterns rather than proving that caregiving causes suicidality.
What to keep in mind
The evidence comes from only seven observational studies, with differing designs and effect measures; these findings cannot establish causation.