Nugent SM, Morasco BJ, Handley R, et al. - Among survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC), the correlations were examined between precancer mental health and pain and postcancer receipt of mental health, substance use disorder, or palliative care services with risk of suicidal self-directed violence (SSDV).

• A retrospective cohort study of 7,803 US veteran survivors of HNC.

• Risk of SSDV was higher in correlation with precancer chronic pain or mood disorders and postcancer mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

• Risk of SSDV lowers in correlation with receiving postcancer palliative care.

• Overall, findings justify directing additional suicide prevention efforts toward survivors of HNC with precancer and postcancer risk factors for SSDV; palliative care is supported to be an important component of supportive cancer care.