The prevalence of suicidal behaviors in childhood, adolescent and young adults cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

Many studies have shown that Childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer (CAYAC) survivors have an increased risk of late physical and mental health effects. However, comprehensive data on the risks of suicidal behaviors in CAYAC survivors are still lacking. We investigated the evidence of suicidal behaviors in CAYAC survivors.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. The literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Database, and reference lists from previous relevant reviews. We summarized the characteristics of eligible studies on suicidal behavior. We performed meta-analysis with random-effect model for available data of them and calculated pooled prevalences with 95 % confidence intervals (CI).

Results

We identified 1108 articles from the search and 22 articles from previous review. We identified 38 eligible studies. 26 cohort studies and 12 cross-sectional studies were compromised. The meta-analysis showed pooled prevalence of suicide was 0.152 % (95 % CI: 0.103–0.209), suicide attempt was 2.2 % (95 %CI; 1.9–2.6) and suicidal ideation was 9.2 % (95 %CI: 7.8–10.6). Some studies identified specific CAYAC survivors at risk of suicide as age, type of cancer and treatments.

Limitations

Outcome measures could not be identified in some studies in the meta-analysis.

Conclusions

The findings revealed prevalence of suicidal behaviors in CAYAC survivors. Greater awareness and monitoring are needed of these risks, and of issues that affect support to prevent suicidal behaviors in CAYAC survivors.