Evaluation of Objective Measures of Smoking Status A Prospective Clinical Study in a Group of Head and Neck Cancer Patients Treated with Radiotherapy

Abstract Background This study investigated the smoking behaviours and cessation rates of head and neck cancer patients and explored the barriers and facilitators to cessation. Methods A mixed methods sequential explanatory design was utilised. The quantitative data was collected through surveys prior to treatment commencement. The current smokers were followed up after treatment to determine their smoking status. One-on-one, semi-structured interviews were then conducted. Results A total of 64 participants were recruited. Participants who were current smokers were more likely to live in a rural location (p = 0.015), have lower education (p = 0.047), and report reduced social and family well-being (p = 0.005) when compared with those who were former or never smokers. The 7-day point prevalence cessation rate was 72% at 1-month follow-up and 67% at 3 months, while continuous smoking cessation was 54% at 1 month and 42% at 3 months. Participants who continued smoking were found to consume more alcohol (p = 0.032) and have higher psychological distress (p = 0.052). Qualitative analysis revealed 5 key themes associated with smoking cessation: the teachable moment of a cancer diagnosis and treatment, willpower and cessation aids, psychosocial environment, relationship with alcohol and marijuana, and health knowledge and beliefs surrounding smoking and cancer. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the majority of head and neck cancer patients are able to achieve smoking cessation, but relapses are common. Future cessation programs should be comprehensive, sustained and address co-morbid factors such as alcohol, marijuana and depression.

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Clinical study of head and neck cancer patients with HIV infection

JOURNAL OF JAPAN SOCIETY FOR HEAD AND NECK SURGERY ◽

10.5106/jjshns.28.319 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 28 (3) ◽

pp. 319-323

Author(s):

Satoshi Shirakura ◽

Taro Sugimoto ◽

Kotaro Eguchi ◽

Ai Hattori

Keyword(s):

Head And Neck Cancer ◽

Clinical Study ◽

Hiv Infection ◽

Head And Neck ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Neck Cancer

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Levels of Fat-Soluble Micronutrients and 2,6-Cyclolycopene-1,5-Diol in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research ◽

10.1024/0300-9831.77.6.382 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 77 (6) ◽

pp. 382-388

Author(s):

Djuric ◽

Ronis ◽

Fowler ◽

Ren ◽

Duffy

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Head And Neck Cancer ◽

Head And Neck ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Neck Cancer ◽

Smoking Status ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Negative Prognostic Factor ◽

Pilot Investigation ◽

Β Carotene

Smoking negatively affects serum carotenoid levels, and it is a negative prognostic factor for head and neck cancer. In this study, micronutrient levels were examined in 60 smoking and non-smoking head and neck cancer patients. The goal was to determine if oxidation of the carotenoid lycopene would occur to a greater extent in smokers. Subjects were drawn from a prospective cohort study and matched on seven demographic factors. Serum levels of α-carotene, zeaxanthin, and 2,6-cyclolycopene-1,5-diol A, an oxidation product of lycopene, were all lower in smokers versus non-smokers (18%, 22%, and 8%, respectively) while β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and lutein were about the same in the two groups. Levels of lycopene, γ-tocopherol, and α-tocopherol were higher in smokers, and notably serum α-tocopherol was 48% higher in smokers. The majority of vitamin E intake was from supplements. The higher levels of α-tocopherol in smokers were interesting in that higher α-tocopherol levels have been associated with higher mortality in head and neck cancer. Although this was a pilot investigation, there was no evidence that 2,6-cyclolycopene-1,5-diol A formation was appreciably affected by smoking status, but α-tocopherol levels were higher in smokers.

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