For most cancer patients radiation therapy is their last chance to beat cancer. Unfortunately a number of people will attempt killing themselves during or just after their radiation therapy. For some this is due to the pain they have to endure during the radiation therapy regimen…and for others it’s due to radiation therapy long term effects like sterility that is caused by the radiation treatment (mostly affects those who have cancer in parts of the body near their reproductive organs). But the biggest risk group for suicide attempts, are those who go through radiation therapy and fail to get cured, since they are the most hopeless group.
People who have a severe medical condition like cancer are a major risk group for suicide. In fact cancer patients are 2x more likely to commit suicide compared to the general population. However it is important to note that by all factors, this number is most likely underestimated due to the fact that a high number of cancer related suicides go unreported. Pay extra attention to those who have oral, pharyngeal and lung cancers, since these groups are the most at risk. Suicide in cancer patients is mostly due to the fact that those suffering from cancer are usually dealing with massive depression. Continue reading ‘Radiation Therapy Can Lead to Suicide Attempts’ »