Cigarette, E-cigarette, Alcohol, and Marijuana Use by Cancer Diagnosis Status: A Longitudinal Analysis

Abstract

Background: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Lifestyle choices such as substance abuse can impact a survivor’s health and overall quality of life. Methods: We used longitudinal data from the Wave 1-3 Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health data to examine sociodemographic characteristics and substance use behaviors (current cigarette, e-cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use) by cancer diagnosis status. A generalized estimating equation model was used to examine the population-averaged effects of sociodemographic factors on substance use. Results: Among 1527 participants diagnosed with cancer, 14.5% used cigarettes, 3.8% used e-cigarettes, 49.1% used alcohol, and 4.2% used marijuana in the prior 30 days in Wave 1. While the prevalence of cigarette use among those with no cancer history decreased significantly between Wave 1 (21.9%) and Wave 3 (20.2%), it increased significantly among participants diagnosed with cancer from 14.5% to 16.0%. E-cigarette use decreased for both groups, whereas alcohol and marijuana use increased. Results showed that substance use among people diagnosed with cancer significantly varied by sociodemographic characteristics. Age, sex, race-ethnicity, education, income, and region of residence were significantly associated with substance use among patients diagnosed with cancer. Conclusion: Overall, substance use is lower among participants diagnosed with cancer than those with no cancer history. Substance use varies by sociodemographic characteristics among people diagnosed with cancer. More focus on substance use prevention among patients diagnosed with cancer could be beneficial in terms of improving the overall well-being of this population.

Cannabis use among cancer patients and survivors in the United States: a systematic review

“…Across the 27 studies ( 17-43 ), 7 studies were longitudinal ( 17 , 26 , 27 , 29 , 34 , 39 , 41 ), 9 reported cross-sectional data from ongoing longitudinal studies ( 18 , 21 , 23-25 , 33 , 35-37 ), and 11 were cross-sectional studies ( 19 , 20 , 22 , 28 , 30-32 , 38 , 40 , 42 , 43 ). Of the 7 longitudinal studies, 2 studies ( 17 , 29 ) were prospective and 5 were retrospective studies ( 26 , 27 , 34 , 39 , 41 ).…”

Use of electronic cigarettes among African American cancer survivors

“…14 It has been observed that female cancer survivors are more likely to use e-cigarettes than male cancer survivors. 4,12,22,23 In addition, non-Hispanic White cancer survivors had higher rates of e-cigarette use than non-Hispanic Black cancer survivors, [13][14][15] and one study reported that Hispanic cancer survivors were the most likely to use e-cigarettes. 22 It is well documented that the marketing strategies to promote the use of combustible cigarettes intentionally and differentially targeted communities with higher proportions of African American (AA) residents.…”

“…4,12,22,23 In addition, non-Hispanic White cancer survivors had higher rates of e-cigarette use than non-Hispanic Black cancer survivors, [13][14][15] and one study reported that Hispanic cancer survivors were the most likely to use e-cigarettes. 22 It is well documented that the marketing strategies to promote the use of combustible cigarettes intentionally and differentially targeted communities with higher proportions of African American (AA) residents. 24 Recent work indicates that, at the neighborhood level, e-cigarette advertising is more prevalent in areas with a greater proportion of non-White residents.…”

“…The majority of studies indicate that cancer survivors who use e‐cigarettes are most likely to be young adults between ages 18 and 40 years, 9,12,13,20,21 although one study reported that cancer survivors aged 45–54 years were the age group most likely to use e‐cigarettes 14 . It has been observed that female cancer survivors are more likely to use e‐cigarettes than male cancer survivors 4,12,22,23 . In addition, non‐Hispanic White cancer survivors had higher rates of e‐cigarette use than non‐Hispanic Black cancer survivors, 13–15 and one study reported that Hispanic cancer survivors were the most likely to use e‐cigarettes 22 …”

“…It has been observed that female cancer survivors are more likely to use e‐cigarettes than male cancer survivors 4,12,22,23 . In addition, non‐Hispanic White cancer survivors had higher rates of e‐cigarette use than non‐Hispanic Black cancer survivors, 13–15 and one study reported that Hispanic cancer survivors were the most likely to use e‐cigarettes 22 …”