CONTINUED ALCOHOL USE IN PATIENTS WITH HEAD AND NECK CANCER

Background. The effect of posttreatment alcohol consumption on health-related quality of life (COL) and factors predicting overall COL and continued alcohol consumption were examined in patients with head and neck cancer. Methods. Self-reported alcohol use and abuse 1 year after diagnosis was analyzed. Results. Although current drinkers (44.5% of 283 patients) had better overall COL and fewer depressive symptoms, current social drinkers had the best scores, whereas current problem drinkers had the worst. Female sex, fewer depressive symptoms, less pain, and better eating function predicted better OOL. Oral function was the only predictor of 12-month alcohol use. Conclusion. Depression, pain, and eating function predicted overall COL. Alcohol consumption was not associated with OOL, but was associated with better oral function, which in turn predicted better OOL. Alcohol consumption itself does not improve QOL in this population, and these patients should be counseled regarding detrimental effects of continued drinking after treatment. (c) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 32: 905-912, 2010