Being diagnosed with cancer can be stressful and has been linked to suicide. However, an updated analyses where a wide range of cancers are compared is lacking.

To examine whether individuals first-time diagnosed with cancer within the past 5 years had higher suicide rates than those with no such diagnosis. Associations with time since diagnosis, and stage and site of cancer, were analysed.

A population-based cohort study design applied to nationwide, longitudinal data on all persons aged 15 years or above (N = 6 987 998) and living in Denmark between 2000 and 2021. Specific sites of cancer first-time diagnosed were considered as exposure for the subsequent 5 years, and death by suicide was examined as outcome. Adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRRs) were calculated using Poisson regression models and adjusted for sociodemographics, psychiatric disorders and suicide attempts prior to cancer diagnosis.

In total, 707 513 (10%) individuals were included. While 12 800 individuals died by suicide in the non-cancer group, 601 died of suicide in the cancer group, resulting in an aIRR of 2.0 (95% CI: 1.9–2.1). The highest rate was found in the period immediately following diagnosis (<6 months: 3.9, 95% CI: 3.6–4.2 versus 4–5 years: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.5–2.0). Also, higher rates were found for high-stage tumours (3.1, 95% CI: 2.8–3.4). The highest aIRRs were found for pancreatic cancer (7.5, 95% CI: 5.8–9.7) and oesophageal cancer (7.1, 95% CI: 5.4–9.3). Almost all sites of cancer analysed showed elevated rates of suicide compared with individuals without cancer.

Several recently diagnosed cancers were linked to elevated rates of suicide, especially during the first period following diagnosis. High tumour stage was associated with the highest rates, as were cancer sites with poor prognosis, suggesting prioritisation of these patient groups for suicide prevention efforts.

Individuals admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to cancer frequently encounter cognitive impairment and alterations in their mental health, which engenders psychological distress and considerably impacts their quality of life. In Mexico, there is an imperative for valid and reliable clinical tools to identify these symptoms, to providing timely and appropriate psychological intervention.

To determine the psychometric properties of the Intensive Care Psychological Assessment Tool (IPAT) in a Mexican population with cancer discharged from ICU.

A cross-sectional instrumental design with non-probability convenience sampling was employed. Data were collected between February 2023 and October 2024 with 75 people discharged from the ICU. Factor structure (confirmatory factor analysis), reliability (internal consistency), measurement invariance, and criteria validity (convergent, discriminant, and known-groups) were assessed. Patients were assessed during oncological hospitalization, following ICU.

The participants were predominantly male, residing in the interior of the country, with an average age of 44 years (range 19–78, SD 16.21). Internal consistency results were deemed to be satisfactory (α = 0.78) for 9 items. The CFA indices were adequate [χ2 (gl) 27.436 (24), CMIN/DF 1.143, CFI 0.96, GFI 0.97, SRMR 0.036, RMSEA 0.044] as were the scalar invariance indices for invasive mechanical ventilation [CFI = 0.871; RMSEA = 0.058; χ2/gl = 20.519 (10)] and for gender, restricted invariance indices [CFI = 0.849; RMSEA = 0.068; χ2/gl = 23.302 (12)].

The Mexican version of the IPAT for people with cancer is a valid and reliable tool for use in oncology and critical care settings in Mexico. It is recommended for use at the time of discharge from the ICU, as it allows the identification of psychological distress for timely intervention. For future considerations, diverse clinical settings and patient populations should be explored to enhance the tool’s applicability and generalizability in the varied contexts of cancer in ICU.

Social determinants of health (SDHs) exert a significant influence on various health outcomes and disparities. This study aimed to explore the associations between combined SDHs and mortality, as well as adverse health outcomes among adults with depression.

The research included 48,897 participants with depression from the UK Biobank and 7,771 from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). By calculating combined SDH scores based on 14 SDHs in the UK Biobank and 9 in the US NHANES, participants were categorized into favourable, medium and unfavourable SDH groups through tertiles. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the impact of combined SDHs on mortality (all-cause, cardiovascular disease [CVD] and cancer) in both cohorts, as well as incidences of CVD, cancer and dementia in the UK Biobank.

In the fully adjusted models, compared to the favourable SDH group, the hazard ratios for all-cause mortality were 1.81 (95% CI: 1.60–2.04) in the unfavourable SDH group in the UK Biobank cohort; 1.61 (95% CI: 1.31–1.98) in the medium SDH group and 2.19 (95% CI: 1.78–2.68) in the unfavourable SDH group in the US NHANES cohort. Moreover, higher levels of unfavourable SDHs were associated with increased mortality risk from CVD and cancer. Regarding disease incidence, they were significantly linked to higher incidences of CVD and dementia but not cancer in the UK Biobank.

Combined unfavourable SDHs were associated with elevated risks of mortality and adverse health outcomes among adults with depression, which suggested that assessing the combined impact of SDHs could serve as a key strategy in preventing and managing depression, ultimately helping to reduce the burden of disease.

Supporting a family member with cancer poses significant challenges for family caregivers, who have unmet supportive care needs. Psychosocial oncology professionals (PSOP) are often the primary source of support for cancer caregivers in Iran. Given the lack of supportive care resources, innovative strategies are needed to support caregivers. This study explores the views of PSOP and caregivers regarding the challenges, potential solutions, and the role of digital technologies in supporting caregivers.

Employing a qualitative descriptive design, we conducted individual interviews and focus groups with 30 participants (15 PSOPs and 15 caregivers), recruited from five settings in Tehran, Iran(2023-2024). All sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

PSOP identified challenges in delivering psychosocial care to caregivers , including inconsistency, uncertainty, and fragmented use of technology. Their recommendations included flexible psychosocial care via blended multi-modal digital technologies, professional development opportunities, and formal recognition and integration within the oncology setting. Caregivers experiencing frustration with the healthcare system expressed a need for family-centered care, flexible psychosocial care, and organized peer support networks.

Current psychosocial care in Iran is insufficient and misaligned with the preferences of PSOP and caregivers. PSOP and caregivers advocate for flexible psychosocial care through blended digital strategies. Public health strategists in Iran, as a low-resource setting with a family-centered context, should optimize resource utilization by prioritizing the training of PSOP, developing blended digital interventions, and leveraging trained peers to provide navigation and support to families, thereby easing the PSOP workload.

Cancer patients often suffer from refractory symptoms near death. The use of sedatives aims to relieve suffering caused by these symptoms. The practice varies broadly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role and trends of midazolam use in cancer patients dying in a university hospital oncology ward.

The study population of this retrospective registry-based study consists of patients who died in a university hospital oncology ward in Eastern Finland in 2010–2018 (n = 639). Information about treatment decisions, midazolam use, and background factors were gathered.

During the study period, 14.7 % of the patients dying in the ward received midazolam with sedative intent prior to death. 4.7 % (n = 30) of the whole study population had continuous infusion and the rest of the midazolam use was one or multiple single doses. Documented discussion of possible palliative sedation (PS) use was found in almost one third of all patients. Out of those, eventually receiving midazolam with sedative intent, two thirds had had this discussion. The most common symptoms leading to midazolam were dyspnea, pain, and delirium. In continuous use the median midazolam infusion rate was 4.0 mg/h. The continuous infusion started median of 23.25 h and multiple single doses 19 h before death. If only one dose of midazolam was needed, it was given median of 30 minutes prior to death and the most common symptom was dyspnea. Those who received midazolam were more likely to be younger (p = 0.003) and had had a palliative outpatient clinic visit (p = 0.045).

This is the first study to report the trends and practices of midazolam use for refractory symptoms in Finland. Midazolam was used for approximately every 7th dying cancer patient. Applying midazolam was supported by a history of palliative clinic visits and younger age.

This study sought to examine the validity and reliability of the Turkish adaptation of the Peace, Equanimity, and Acceptance in the Cancer Experience (PEACE) scale. The primary objective was to evaluate the scale’s psychometric properties in measuring acceptance and coping among cancer patients.

The study included 90 cancer patients who completed the 12-item PEACE scale. The scale consists of two distinct subscales: the 5-item Peaceful Acceptance subscale and the 7-item Struggle With Illness subscale. Reliability was examined using Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest reliability (r = 0.916). Content validity was assessed using the content validity index (CVI = 0.84). Both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were employed to examine the underlying factor structure and evaluate model fit indices.

The internal consistency for both subscales was satisfactory (Cronbach’s α = .78 for both). EFA indicated that the two subscales explained 53.169% of the total variance. CFA substantiated the two-factor model, demonstrating adequate model fit indices (χ2/df = 1.689,Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.088). These findings collectively establish the Turkish version of the PEACE scale as a psychometrically sound tool.

The PEACE scale is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing levels of acceptance and coping in cancer patients. Its use can help healthcare professionals better understand patients’ emotional states and guide interventions aimed at improving their quality of life.

Laryngeal dysplasia is a pre-cancerous lesion within the larynx. This study aims to identify factors influencing progression to cancer by analysing long-term follow-up data.

Data from 221 patients diagnosed between 2005 and 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. Patient demographics, treatment strategies and follow-up results were compared.

Progression to cancer occurred in 26 patients (11.7 per cent). A significant association was found between cancer progression and initial biopsies obtained from the anterior commissure (34.6 per cent in progressing cases vs. 6.2 per cent in non-progressing; p < 0.001). Carcinoma in situ cases showed a higher progression rate (21.7%) compared to mild dysplasia (3.4 per cent) (p = 0.007). The group with cancer progression also had higher rates of other cancers (15.4 per cent vs. 2.1 per cent; p = 0.008), including lung cancer (11.5 per cent vs. 0 per cent; p = 0.001).

The study determined an 11.7 per cent progression rate of laryngeal dysplasia to cancer. Lesions involving the anterior commissure carried an approximately 8.1-fold increased risk of progression.

Expressive writing interventions (EWIs) are associated with important psychological and physical outcomes in patients with cancer. However, EWIs have not been widely integrated into routine psychosocial care of cancer populations. A review of the current literature on EWIs’ impact on the cancer patient experience, including qualitative analyses of patient perspectives, will increase our understanding of barriers and facilitators to adoption in clinical settings.

To bridge existing gaps in the literature by examining quantitative and qualitative studies on EWIs for patients with cancer. To present recent data examining the benefits of EWI’s for patients with cancer.To provide strategies for clinicians engaging in EWI’s for their patients.

Informed by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we completed a scoping review of relevant quantitative and qualitative articles published from 2015 to 2025 to assess the impact of EWIs on health-related outcomes (e.g., physical symptoms and quality of life [QOL]) as well as approaches to improve their use in patients with cancer.

Of the 28 studies with 3527 patients that we analyzed, 24 were quantitative and 4 were qualitative. Most studies were conducted in the USA (42.8%) or China (28.6%) and included patients with breast cancer (71.4%) or only included women (71.4%). Of the patients in the studies, 46.8% identified as White, 42.8% as Asian, 5.5% as Black, and 4.5% as Latino. Twenty-one of the quantitative studies found that EWIs were positively associated with cancer patients’ QOL and/or physical health outcomes. Of the 4 qualitative studies, themes of narrative reconstruction, cultural disclosure norms, and intervention delivery format emerged. The characteristics of EWI methods can be tailored to maximize therapeutic benefits through cultural adaptation, timing, and privacy.

Despite promising associations between EWIs and health-related outcomes in patients with cancer, EWIs for cancer populations are heterogeneous and randomized clinical trials are limited. Larger trials that establish the efficacy of EWIs in diverse cancer populations are warranted.

As cancer incidence and survival rates rise, caregivers responsible for providing diverse support face increased burden and reduced quality of life (QoL). Although research on web-based interventions for this group is expanding, the impact of these interventions on caregiver burden and QoL remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of web-based interventions on the caregiver burden and QoL of caregivers of patients with cancer.

Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Embase, and PsycINFO from database inception to 10 June 2024. Two reviewers independently assessed each study and extracted data. The risk-of-bias in the studies was evaluated using Cochrane’s Risk-of-Bias tool for randomized controlled trials. The intervention effects were calculated using R package Meta version 4.0.3, utilizing standardized mean differences (SMD; Hedge’s ĝ) to calculate pooled effect sizes with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Publication bias assessment and sensitivity analysis were conducted to ensure the robustness of the results.

We reviewed 13 randomized controlled trials; our analysis indicated a small effect size of web-based interventions on caregiver burden (SMD = −0.19, 95% CI: −0.36 to −0.01). However, sensitivity analysis concluded that the effect was very small or nearly absent. Additionally, there was no statistically significant effect on QoL (SMD = 0.15, 95% CI: −0.05 to 0.36).

Web-based interventions did not significantly reduce caregiver burden or improve caregivers’ QoL. To improve caregiver burden and QoL in the future, comprehensive and tailored web-based interventions for this population are needed.

The aim of this article is to develop and pilot test a new supportive care intervention, Empower GBM, designed for patients with glioblastoma and their family caregivers to reduce psychological distress and improve quality of life.

Qualitative interviews were conducted with patients diagnosed with glioblastoma and their caregivers to obtain information about their experiences and needs in coping with glioblastoma. We also gathered their feedback about the supportive care intervention we were proposing (Phase I). Following Phase I, we conducted a single-arm pilot to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the 6-session intervention (Phase II).

During interviews (N = 14), patients and caregivers reported having the most difficulty and distress surrounding disease progression and management, maintaining dignity and autonomy, negotiation of roles and responsibilities, and maintaining connection with one another. Participants endorsed that an intervention like Empower GBM with skills focused on managing symptoms to increase independence, increasing caregiving efficacy and support, and coping with dyadic challenges would be of potential benefit. Preliminary results from the pilot study (N = 11) suggested the intervention is both feasible (e.g., 82% completed all 6 sessions and post-treatment surveys) and acceptable (88.9% reported a mean satisfaction score of 3 or higher; mean score of 3.57/4.0). Improvements in psychological outcomes, functional well-being, and caregiving efficacy from pre- to post-treatment survey results suggested the potential benefits of the intervention.

We developed a novel supportive care intervention informed by the dyadic illness model that is designed to meet the individual and interpersonal needs of patients with glioblastoma and their caregivers. Unique features include its flexibility to be delivered to patients and/or their family caregivers individually or jointly, while providing skills and strategies to meet the needs of both individuals and the dyad as the unit of care in coping with glioblastoma.

Patients with cancer frequently experience insomnia that significantly impacts their quality of life, worsens existing symptoms, and potentially hinders treatment outcomes and recovery. Here, we report on 3 cancer patients whose insomnia was improved with low-dose olanzapine.

A retrospective review of medical records was conducted for 3 cancer patients experiencing insomnia treated with olanzapine at Johns Hopkins Hospital. The data collection included the type of cancer diagnosis, the level of insomnia severity experienced by individuals, and treatment results and outcome.

Olanzapine improved sleep in all 3 patients and decreased nausea/vomiting and anxiety in patients 2 and 3.

A low dose of olanzapine has potential to treat insomnia in cancer patients. The ideal dosing regimens and potential risks are unclear, especially for long-term use. More research and clinical trials are needed to evaluate off-label use of olanzapine for insomnia, including its efficacy and risks, and to optimize the dosage to reduce its side effects in cancer patients. Oncology providers should consider olanzapine as a potential treatment for insomnia, especially given its off-label uses and potential benefits.

The risk of cancers associated with psychiatric disorders is understudied.

To investigate whether cancer risk varies with the presence of psychiatric disorders.

Patients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders in South Korea between 1 January and 31 December 2017 were included in the study and referred to as the psychiatric disorder group. The non-psychiatric-disorder group, selected using a stratified random sampling technique based on age and gender, comprised individuals who had never been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. The primary outcome was a new cancer diagnosis, assessed over a 5-year period (1 January 2018 to 31 December 2022).

Following 1:1 propensity score matching, the final analysis included data for 686 570 adults (343 285 in each group). The cancer incidence in the psychiatric disorder group from 2018 to 2022 was 15.4% (52 948/343 285), whereas in the non-psychiatric-disorder group, it was 12.8% (43 989/343 285). Cox regression analysis revealed that the psychiatric disorder group had a 23% higher occurrence of cancer compared with non-psychiatric-disorder controls (hazard ratio: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.24; P < 0.001). Significant associations between cancer incidence and specific psychiatric disorders were observed in individuals with alcohol-related disorders (hazard ratio: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.32; P < 0.001), anxiety disorders (hazard ratio: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.17; P < 0.001) and major depressive disorder (hazard ratio: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.18; P < 0.001).

Individuals with psychiatric disorders were more likely to develop cancer than those without. We identified associations of alcohol-related disorders, anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder with cancer risk.

This study explores the perspectives of cancer lay health providers and civil society on the barriers and facilitators to cancer detection and treatment among women.

In 2010, the Moroccan Ministry of Health implemented a national plan for cancer care and control. Activities focused on strengthening multisectoral collaboration in cancer care and control, including promoting early detection in primary care. Despite progress in reducing women’s cancer mortality, socio-cultural challenges impede further gains. Elucidating the perspectives of the community-based and civil society allied in cancer control is critical to addressing cancer disparities.

Data were collected through in-depth interviews with cancer lay health advisors (n = 10) and civil society members (n = 10) on topics of challenges and opportunities to improve care-seeking and treatment. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and guided by the socio-ecological model.

Barriers and facilitators to early diagnosis and treatment were identified at levels of the individual, family, community/societal, and the health system. Barriers to early detection include taboo and stigma, fear of death, and gender norms and roles. Financial and geographic barriers, lack of psychosocial support, and poor health system/provider communication were major deterrents related to treatment. Results suggest intervention targets to reduce late-stage presentation for women, including enhancing educational efforts and augmenting community outreach linkages to primary care.

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are transcribed RNA molecules that do not encode proteins but regulate diverse biological processes. Dysregulation of ncRNAs is implicated in cancer, where chemical modifications such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C), and glycosylation critically influence their function. However, these modifications, as precise regulators of ncRNA activity, have been less well-documented and understood in tumorigenesis and cancer progression.

This article systematically analyzes the roles of chemically modified ncRNAs – ribosomal RNA (rRNA), circular RNA (circRNA) and others – in cancer biology, synthesizingevidence from published studies on their mechanistic involvement in malignancy.

We reveal how specific chemical modifications drive oncogenesis, impact cancer diagnosis, and affect therapeutic responses, while also exploring their prognostic potential. Furthermore, we highlight emerging connections between ncRNA epitranscriptomics and cancer.

This review provides novel insights into ncRNA epitranscriptomics as emerging biomarkers and intervention targets for precision oncology.

To describe the frequency of prognostic awareness (PA) in a population of advanced cancer patients in a Latino community and to explore the relationship between accurate PA with emotional distress and other covariates.

In this cross-sectional study performed in Puente Alto, Chile, advanced cancer patients in palliative care completed a survey that included a single question to assess PA (Do you believe your cancer is curable? yes/no). Patients reporting that their cancer was not curable were considered as having accurate PA. Demographics, emotional distress, quality of life, and patient perception of treatment goals were also assessed. Analyses to explore associations between PA and patient variables were adjusted.

A total of 201 patients were included in the analysis. Mean age was 65, 50% female. One hundred and three patients (51%) reported an accurate PA. In the univariate analysis, accurate PA was associated with not having a partner (p = 0.012), increased emotional distress (p = 0.013), depression (p = 0.003), and were less likely to report that the goal of the treatment was to get rid of the cancer (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, patients with accurate PA had higher emotional distress or depression, were less likely to have a partner, and to report that the goal of the treatment was to get rid of the cancer.

Half of a population of Latino advanced cancer patients reported an accurate PA. Accurate PA was associated with increased emotional distress, which is similar to what has been reported in other countries. Weaknesses in prognostic disclosure by clinicians, local cultural factors, or higher motivation to seek prognostic information among distressed cancer patients could explain this association. Strategies to emotionally support patients when discussing prognostic information should be implemented.