1. Smoking and alcohol habits in head and neck cancers: How many patients stop after diagnosis?
- Author
-
Verro B, Saraniti G, Fiumara S, Ottoveggio G, and Saraniti C
- Subjects
- Humans, Male, Female, Middle Aged, Retrospective Studies, Aged, Risk Factors, Smoking Cessation psychology, Head and Neck Neoplasms psychology, Head and Neck Neoplasms diagnosis, Alcohol Drinking epidemiology, Alcohol Drinking psychology, Smoking epidemiology, Smoking adverse effects, Smoking psychology
- Abstract
Background: Smoking and alcohol are the main risk factors for head and neck cancer. Despite the significant psychological impact, many patients continue to smoke and drink alcohol after diagnosis of cancer. This study aims to analyze the patients' behavior post diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer., Methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted on patients suffering from head and neck cancer. Their smoking and alcohol habits before and after diagnosis of cancer were studied., Results: A total of 85 patients were recruited: 80 % males, mean age 61.77±9.30 years. Among smokers, 35.80 % continued smoking post-diagnosis. A statistically significant correlation was found between smoking habit after diagnosis of cancer and type of treatment and tracheostomy. Among drinkers, 65.52 % continued to consume alcohol after diagnosis of cancer. A statistically significant correlation was found between alcohol consumption post-diagnosis and sex., Conclusions: Patients undergoing more invasive treatments are more likely to quit smoking and/or drinking alcohol, suggesting the strong psychological impact of cancer and its therapy. Many patients continue smoking and consuming alcohol due to unawareness, depression, or addiction. However, most patients reduced cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. Comprehensive care, including psychological support, is essential for these patients., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF