(HealthDay News) — Current smoking and vaping are associated with greater symptom burden among adults with cancer, according to a study published in Cancer.
Researchers examined the association between tobacco use and symptom burden among 1409 adult cancer survivors. The association between cigarette smoking and vaping on cancer-related symptom burden (fatigue, pain, emotional problems) and quality of life (QOL) was assessed.
The weighted rate of cigarette smoking was 14.21%, and the weighted rate of vaping was 2.88%. Current smoking was associated with greater fatigue, pain, emotional problems, and worse QOL. Current vaping was associated with greater fatigue, pain, and emotional problems, but not worse QOL.
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There was no association between higher cancer symptom burden and reduced interest in quitting, likelihood of quitting, or odds of past-year quit attempts.
“[T]he results of this study suggest that current cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use are associated with worse symptom burden and that current smoking is associated with worse QOL, but greater symptom burden and worse QOL do not appear to reduce interest in or plans to quit smoking,” the researchers summarized. “Therefore, it is critically important that oncology providers assess tobacco use, offer tobacco-cessation support, and take ownership of the delivery of tobacco treatment to oncology patients.”
One researcher disclosed ties to Imbrium Therapeutics and another to Castle Biosciences. One researcher has testified on behalf of plaintiffs who have filed litigation against the tobacco industry.
