Continued alcohol use in patients with head and neck cancer

Background The effect of posttreatment alcohol consumption on health‐related quality of life (QOL) and factors predicting overall QOL 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 QOL 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 QOL. Oral function was the only predictor of 12‐month alcohol use. Conclusion Depression, pain, and eating function predicted overall QOL. Alcohol consumption was not associated with QOL, but was associated with better oral function, which in turn predicted better QOL. Alcohol consumption itself does not improve QOL in this population, and these patients should be counseled regarding detrimental effects of continued drinking after treatment. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010