Change in alcohol and tobacco consumption after a diagnosis of head and neck cancer: Findings from Head and Neck 5000. Issue 7 (27th February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Penfold, Chris M.; Thomas, Steven J.; Waylen, Andrea; Ness, Andrew R.
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 40:Issue 7(2018)
• Page Start: 1389
• Page End: 1399
• Publication Date: 2018-02-27
• Subjects: alcohol -- head and neck cancer -- health behaviors -- smoking -- teachable moment; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.25116
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Tobacco and alcohol consumption are risk factors for developing head and neck cancer, and continuation postdiagnosis can adversely affect prognosis. We explored changes to these behaviors after a head and neck cancer diagnosis. Methods: Demographic and clinical data were collected from 973 people newly diagnosed with oral cavity, oropharyngeal, or laryngeal cancer. Tobacco and alcohol consumption were additionally collected 4 and 12 months later. Results: The prevalence of high alcohol consumption reduced from 54.3% at diagnosis to 41.4% at 12 months, and smoking reduced from 21.0% to 11.7%. Changes in behavior were dynamic, for example, 44% of smokers at 12 months were not smoking at diagnosis or 4 months. Several factors were associated with alcohol consumption, whereas only tumor site and comorbidities were associated with smoking. Conclusion: A diagnosis of head and neck cancer can result in important changes in alcohol consumption and smoking prevalence. However, these changes are dynamic in the first year after diagnosis.