Trial Information

A Smoking, Alcohol, and Depression Intervention for Head and Neck Cancer

Background:

Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) cancer registry indicates
that head and neck cancers (HN Ca) are nearly twice as common in veterans as non-veterans.
HN Ca patients are at an increased risk for smoking, alcohol consumption and depression, all
of which contribute to a further decline in their quality of life (QoL). In the HN Ca
population, diagnosis and treatment of smoking, alcohol intake and depression are
sub-optimal, thereby affecting QoL and survival. Numerous studies have documented that
smoking, alcohol and depression are interrelated and research on multi-modal interventions
has been suggested.

Objectives:

To determine whether a combined intervention for smoking, alcohol intake, and depression
improves the QoL of veterans with HN Ca.

Methods:

Patients from three VA medical centers (Ann Arbor, MI; Dallas, TX; Gainesville, FL) who have
at least one of the three disorders of smoking, drinking and depression were randomized to
either usual care or the combined intervention. Data was collected on smoking, alcohol
consumption, depression and QoL at baseline, 6- and 12- months after the intervention (or
non-intervention). The main analyses consisted of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to
compare the scores on the SF-36 mental health scores and on the emotional domain of Head and
Neck Quality of Life Questionnaire between the experimental and control group at 6- and 12-
month follow up. Additional analyses examineded smoking, alcohol intake, and depression
scores at these same time points.

Status:

Completed.