[Life] Cancer Patients' Suicide Risk 2-4 Times Higher, Patient Groups Call for Mental Health Counseling to be Included in National Health Insurance

The latest research indicates that the risk of suicide among cancer patients in Taiwan is about 2 to 4 times higher than that of the general population. Patient groups state that although the government and various organizations have provided numerous psychological support resources for cancer patients, the number of available slots is limited and services are primarily short-term. They hope that mental health counseling for cancer patients will be included in the National Health Insurance. Cancer treatment is shifting from "prolonging life" to "holistic care." Psychological distress among cancer patients is not uncommon, and both domestic and international studies have shown a link between cancer diagnosis and the risk of suicide. The ROC Breast Cancer Patient Association announced today (16th) in a press release, citing a research team from National Taiwan University Hospital, that an analysis of Taiwan's cancer registry and national mortality data found that male cancer patients have a 2.46 times higher risk of suicide than the general male population, and female patients have a 2.12 times higher risk. Specifically, the first three months after diagnosis represent the highest risk period, with the suicide risk for men increasing to 6.57 times and for women to 5.83 times. Another recent study analyzing invasive cancer cases in Taiwan from 1985 to 2018 found that the suicide risk is approximately 2 to 4 times higher than that of the general population. This implies that the fear, physical changes, family pressure, work and financial burdens, and worries about recurrence faced after diagnosis should all be included in care. Although various parties offer numerous psychological support resources for cancer patients, such as the Ministry of Health and Welfare's cancer patient psychological support program, and free counseling services from organizations like the Cancer Hope Foundation and the Cancer Prevention Foundation, "the existence of resources does not mean patients can access them." Huang Shu-fang, Chairperson of the ROC Breast Cancer Patient Association, pointed out that many patients are busy dealing with treatment decisions and are unaware that they "need" or "can" seek psychological counseling. Huang Shu-fang mentioned that even if patients are aware of the resources, they are deterred by limited slots, geographical distance, appointment procedures, financial burdens, or unfamiliarity with psychological counseling. Some patients who have tried counseling felt the results were not as expected and thus gave up seeking professional help. Psychological support for cancer patients cannot rely solely on short-term pilot programs, private donations, or scattered subsidies; systematic planning is needed. The Breast Cancer Patient Association calls on the government to include mental health counseling for cancer patients in National Health Insurance coverage and establish clear referral pathways to improve accessibility. They suggest implementing regular psychological screenings during cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up periods. Case managers and medical teams should proactively inform patients about counseling resources and provide National Health Insurance-covered psychological counseling for patients with major illness certificates, ensuring that counseling content better meets patients' needs. (Editor: Chung Chin-lung) ※ Cherish life, suicide cannot solve problems, and life can always find a way out. If you need counseling or related assistance, please call the Ministry of Health and Welfare hotline "1925", the Life Line hotline "1995", or the Teacher Chang hotline "1980".