Suicide attempt by a cancer caregiver: A husband who attempted suicide two months after his wife was diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer

OBJECTIVES: The families of cancer patients experience many forms of distress, as a result of their loved one's cancer diagnosis. However, there have been no reports of suicide attempts of caregivers directly linked to the diagnosis of advanced cancer in a family member. METHODS: We reported a caregiver who attempt suicide two months after his wife was diagnosed with advanced cancer. RESULTS: The subject was a 69-year-old male who had been caring for his wife, diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer, for two months. The patient's husband, acting as her caregiver, was referred by his wife (a cancer patient) to meet with a nurse. He reported insomnia and a desire for hastened death. Despite repeated recommendations for specialized care at a caregiver clinic, he declined. Following an argument with his wife at home, he felt unable to cope and attempted suicide. The husband had no psychiatric history but had a history of colon cancer. After the attempt suicide, he began visiting the "Caregivers' Clinic," where he received ongoing psychological support that continued until the death of his wife. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: In cancer care, it is essential to continuously assess not only the patient's suicide risk, but also that of closely related family members.