A national study of alcohol consumption patterns among population-based US cancer survivors compared with cancer-free individuals

Background: This study characterized alcohol consumption behaviors among adult cancer survivors and determined how these behaviors compared with cancer-free individuals using NHANES data (1999-2016). Methods: Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using multinomial logistic regression for the association between cancer survivors vs cancer-free individuals and odds of drinking status (former/current/never drinkers), accounting for demographic and socioeconomic factors. Among current drinkers, multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate the aORs for binge drinking and exceeding moderate drinking. Results: A total of 3113 survivors and 39,527 cancer-free individuals were included. Cancer survivors were less likely to be current drinkers (63.4% vs. 72.6% in cancer-free) and were more likely to be former drinkers (24.4% vs. 15.5% in cancer-free). Cancer survivors had significant lower odds of being current vs. never drinkers (aOR, 0.84, 95% CI: 0.71-0.99). By cancer types, cervical cancer survivors were more likely to be binge drinkers (aOR, 2.51, 95% CI: 1.27-4.92), particularly among women aged >= 55 years (aOR, 6.90, 95% CI: 1.28-37.3). Conclusion: Given the high odds of binge drinking among cervical cancer survivors, public health strategies are needed to reduce alcohol consumption in this group.

Automated summary

This study examined alcohol consumption behaviors among adult cancer survivors using NHANES data and compared them with cancer-free individuals. The findings showed that cancer survivors were less likely to be current drinkers and more likely to be former drinkers compared to cancer-free individuals. Among the different cancer types, cervical cancer survivors had a higher likelihood of binge drinking, especially among women aged >= 55 years. Public health strategies are needed to reduce alcohol consumption in cervical cancer survivors.