Veterans with cancer face a higher risk of suicide attempts, according to new research from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).

The risk is especially prevalent in the months following diagnosis and can persist for years, states the study, which was published in JAMA Oncology.

Jim Whaley, CEO of Mission Roll Call — a nonprofit veteran advocacy group — reflected on these findings in an interview with Fox News Digital.

“The study shows that more investigation and action is needed to medicate the higher percentage of veterans diagnosed with cancer committing suicide,” said Whaley, who was not involved in the study.

“Understanding the chain of events and upstream factors is vital, as is sharing the study results and recommendations with veteran support organizations involved in these efforts on the ground in communities across the nation.”

Whaley also stressed the importance of recognizing that health encompasses both mental and physical well-being, especially for military service members.

Read the full article here: https://www.foxnews.com/health/veterans-face-surprising-threat-after-cancer-diagnosis-study-reveals