Balachandra S, Eary RL, Lee R, et al. - Researchers described the interrelatedness as well as precise burden of tobacco dependence, alcohol abuse, depression, distress, and other adverse patient- level influences in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors vs other cancers survivors.

• Using National Health Interview Survey data from 1997 to 2016, researchers retrieved data of 918 HNC survivors and 3,672 matched survivors of other cancers.

• HNC survivors were more frequently current smokers and/or heavy drinkers (24.6% vs 18.0%) and had a high mental health burden (18.6% vs 13.0%).

• A high mental health burden was identified as predictive for smoking and/or heavy drinking, and current cigarette smoking as predictive for a high mental health burden.

• In addition, there appeared a significant association of non partnered marital status and uninsured/Medicaid insurance status with both cigarette smoking and/or heavy alcohol use and a high mental health burden.

• Allocation of greater supportive care resources to HNC survivors is recommended.