Suicide rates – a Public Health issue

On the 18^th February, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published a report on suicide rates in the UK for 2012. The report highlighted that although the overall rates for people committing suicide had dropped since 1981, they had actually risen over the last five years. The report also identified the growing concern of high suicide rates for men compared with women for the same period.

The ONS Key Findings

• In 2012, there were 5,981 suicides in people aged 15 and over in the UK – of which 4,590 were males and 1,391 were females 
• In 1981 there 6,595 recorded suicide rates of which 4,129 were male and 2,466 were female
• The highest suicide rate was among men aged between 40 and 44 (25.0 deaths per 100,000 population) and the lowest rate was among men aged 15 to 19 at 6.4 deaths per 100,000 population
• In 2012 in England, the suicide rate was highest in the North West at 12.4 deaths per 100,000 population and lowest in London at 8.7 per 100,000 population

In 2012, the male suicide rate was more than three times the rate for females

The difference between men and women, socio-economic affects

The high suicide rate is undoubtedly a huge cause for concern despite the fact they have fallen over the past thirty years. However, it is the disparity between the rates of men and women that needs to be considered. With males three times more likely to commit suicide than their female counterparts, one needs to question why?

A recent report published by the Samaritans “Men, Suicide and Society” suggested that social and cultural changes, (rising female employment, increases in solo living), could be having significant impacts on the lives of men who are now in mid-life. In addition, the report made clear that men from low socio-economic backgrounds are also particularly at risk of committing suicide. This may be attributed to the arguments that people who live in disadvantaged communities, may have fewer prospects, less support networks leading to feelings of isolation, are more likely to be unemployed – augmenting feelings of low self worth and feeling they have nothing to live for. As a result they are more likely to engage in high health risk behaviour (smoke, drink, take drugs) as a form of escapism/way to deal with their stress.  

Nonetheless, women and young people are not immune to these problems described above. The evidence clearly states that people who live is in poorer communities, are more likely to experience greater physical and mental health problems, are more likely to do less exercise and have poorer diets – both of which have been indentified as improving ones overall wellbeing.   

 As with men, suicide is the leading cause of death among women aged between 20 and 34 years of age

The ONS report states that that people with mental illness have a higher suicide risk than the general population. Therefore, we need to help improve, protect and support people who are at risk of developing mental problems, as  well as targeting the younger population to build mental resilience. 

What is to be done?

In September 2012 the Department of Health launched ‘Preventing Suicide in England’ which sought to reduce suicide rates and improve those affected by suicide. The new strategy outlines six areas for action including: reducing the risk of suicide in key high-risk groups (for example, people in the care of mental health services, people with a history of self-harm, people in contact with the criminal justice system, and men aged under 50) and reducing access to the means of suicide.

It is also essential that the government looks deeply at the root causes that can lead to poor mental health, such as, economic deprivation, isolation, community disengagement, as well as supporting individuals and communities to partake in activities that are recognised as improving mental wellbeing – this could help reduce suicide rates. 

The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) is passionate about supporting the public's health and advocates that increased health awareness, community engagement and training individuals can help eliminate many of the problems highlighted throughout this Blog. A clear example is our Well London Training Communities programme, information can be found here and here, which aims to equip volunteers living in hard to reach communities to increase wellbeing knowledge, confidence and skills to bring about positive lifestyle changes.

The RSPH has also developed a Level 2 Award in Mental Wellbeing qualification, which aims to provide evidence based, practical skills on how to improve and maintain good mental wellbeing. When we are positive and happier, we are more likely to feel we can tackle everyday issues and face what life throws at us.

For information on this training please contact Gina Mohajer gmohajer@rsph.org.uk.       

Suicide is the leading cause of death in England and Wales for men aged between 20 and 49 years

Support for people who have suicidal thoughts

The NHS Health Choices website provides helpful information for people who are considering taking their lives. If you have thoughts about taking your own life, it's important you ask someone for help.

·         speak to a friend, family member or someone you trust as they may be able to help you calm down and find some breathing space

·         call the Samaritans 24-hour support service on 08457 90 90 90

·         go to, or call, your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department and tell the staff how you are feeling

·         contact NHS 111

·         make an urgent appointment to see your GP

Visit the NHS Health Choices website here

Cancer Rates on the Rise - says new report by WHO

The World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has today published a new “World Cancer Report 2014” to coincide with World Cancer Day. The report highlights the growing rates of cancer around the world and advises that stronger efforts on prevention are needed to tackle this problem.

The IARC estimates that the global burden of cancer will rise from around 14 million new cases per year in 2012 to 22 million within the next 20 years

The report identifies that due to growing ageing populations, developing countries are disproportionally affected by growing rates of cancer. It is believed that over 60 percent of the global burden is in Africa, Asia and Central and South America, were 70 percent of cancer sufferers die. A lack of early detection and treatment are a particular concern.

The report argues that half of all cancers could be avoided, if measures to prevent the disease are put in place. 

There is now a wealth of information on cancer available as well as more effective and efficient ways to treat the disease. However, more is needed to ensure early detection and fair access to treatment.      

Dr. Christopher Wild, report co-editor and director of the IARC, says:

"Despite exciting advances, this Report shows that we cannot treat our way out of the cancer problem. More commitment to prevention and early detection is desperately needed in order to complement improved treatments and address the alarming rise in cancer burden globally."

Cancer continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide and therefore a huge global public health issue. Statistics reveal that in 2012 there were 8.2 million deaths to cancer, with lung cancer being the highest (1.59 million deaths), followed by liver (745,000 deaths), colorectal (bowel) (694,000 deaths) and breast (521,000) to name a few.

In addition, the costs associated with cancer can be very damaging to even the richest nations and very hard hitting for the poorer ones.

In 2010, the total global annual cost of cancer reached an estimated US$1.16 trillion

The report advocates that half of all cancers could be avoided, saving millions of lives a year, if detection is made early enough and if we implement the knowledge that we already know. This also includes individuals being aware of high risk behaviour and consequently taking steps to limit their chance of developing cancer.    

Currently, tobacco use has the single biggest impact, with 22 percent of global cancer deaths and over 70 percent of global lung cancer deaths

It is estimated that around 30 percent of cancer deaths could be prevented if certain health risk factors are avoided and or reduced. These namely include, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, preventing being overweight, eating healthily and increasing levels of physical activity.

For information on understanding the importance of health and how to help and support others to make healthier changes, visit http://www.rsph.org.uk/en/training-solutions/index.cfm to view a list of our training programmes.