Health and social care professionals’ perceptions and experiences of managing suicidality for patients with head and neck cancer: a qualitative study

Description

Abstract
Background
Globally, patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are twice as likely to die by suicide compared to others
with cancer. To date, most HNC suicidality studies have focused on estimating prevalence, with limited research
exploring assessment and suicide management within routine cancer care. To address the gap, this study aimed
to explore professionals’ perspectives of how to optimally identify, refer and manage suicidality for this high-risk
population.
Methods
Thirty-nine, one-to-one, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a global range of health and social care
professionals caring from patients with HNC. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic
analysis.
Results
Three multilevel factors to HNC suicidality were identified: 1) patient risk factors (sociodemographic, treatment
type, impact of treatment, available support), (2) protective factors within routine HNC care to suicidality (screening,
identifying suicide ideation, integration of psycho-oncology services), and (3) public health factors (awareness and
understanding of patient needs). There was a divergence in confidence across professional roles in screening,
assessing, supporting and signposting patients with HNC experiencing suicidality. Despite this, participants
acknowledged a need to screen for suicidality at multiple times, with priority points at diagnosis and early post-
treatment. Barriers to implementation of suicidality interventions were a lack of professional knowledge and
confidence in assessment, and referral pathways with timely access to psychological care. Participants highlighted
the emotional demands in providing this aspect of care, identifying the need for suicide prevention training and
clinical supervision.
Conclusion
To enhance suicidality management of people with HNC, there is a necessity for the implementation of guidelines
on screening and effective stepped-care referral pathways, with integration of psycho-oncology services. Alongside
this, there is a requirement for suicide prevention.

Period	22 Nov 2025
Event title	UKONS Annual Conference: 20th anniversary
Event type	Conference
Location	Birmingham, United KingdomShow on map
Degree of Recognition	National