MPC Member Publications

This database contains a listing of population studies publications written by MPC Members. Anyone can add a publication by an MPC student, faculty, or staff member to this database; new citations will be reviewed and approved by MPC administrators.

Full Citation

Title: Cancer pain and alcohol self-medication.

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2022

ISSN: 1932-2267

DOI: 10.1007/S11764-022-01215-X/TABLES/3

PMID: 35567710

Abstract: BACKGROUND Cancer survivors are at increased risk of pain due to their either cancer and/or treatments. Substances like alcohol may be used to self-medicate cancer pain; however, these substances pose their own health risks that may be more pronounced for cancer survivors. METHODS We used cross-sectional data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 2012-2019 to quantify the association between cancer pain and alcohol use. We used negative binomial regression, with interaction terms added to examine variations across age, sex, and race. We also examined whether alcohol use relates to cancer pain control status. RESULTS Cancer survivors with cancer pain were more likely to be younger, female, Black, and to have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Cancer pain was associated with lower alcohol consumption (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 0.88, confidence interval (CI): 0.77, 0.99). This association was primarily among people 65 and older, women, and white and Hispanic people. Cancer pain control status was not related to alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS Lower alcohol use among cancer survivors with pain has many possible explanations, including several alternative pain management strategies or a decrease in social engagement. Our findings of racial and gender disparities in cancer pain are consistent with the broader evidence on disparities in pain. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Cancer pain management for marginalized groups should be improved. Healthcare providers should screen cancer survivors for both pain and substance use, to prevent unhealthy self-medication behaviors.

Url: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35567710

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Calvert, Collin M; Burgess, Diana; Erickson, Darin; Widome, Rachel; Jones-Webb, Rhonda

Periodical (Full): Journal of cancer survivorship : research and practice

Issue:

Volume:

Pages: 1-10

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IPUMS NHGIS NAPP IHIS ATUS Terrapop