IDEAS SUICIDAS EN PACIENTES ONCOLÓGICOS

Abstract

Cancer is a multifactorial disease that affects individuals in a biopsychosocial way, causing intense pain and suffering to patients, who can develop suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In the research conducted, we explored the main psychological symptoms caused by the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and that may present risk factors for suicidal ideation in individuals. The studies carried out were developed through a bibliographic review, where thirteen scientific articles linked to the main theme of the research were used. It was possible to identify that different types of cancer, the stage of the disease and previous psychological factors act as important factors for suicidal ideation, however, it also became possible to understand the dimension of social impacts, intense physical pain and loss of autonomy and control. as a high condition for the development of suicidal thoughts and ideations. It was concluded that most cancer patients with episodes of suicidal ideation indicated symptoms corresponding to depression and anxiety, and that the diagnosis and treatment of cancer brought a great emotional and physical burden, which triggered important psychological changes in individuals, due to all aspects that encompass the experience of the disease, impacting quality of life, causing emotional fragility and hopelessness regarding recovery, thus increasing thoughts of ending physical and psychological pain through suicide.