Differences in Negative Affect Among Current and Former Smokers with and without a Cancer Diagnosis

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Smoking poses significant health risks for individuals diagnosed with cancer. However, trials aimed at increasing smoking cessation among individuals with cancer have largely been unsuccessful and cessation rates remain low. Mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and stress interfere with successful smoking cessation in the general population, but it remains unclear if this is true among those with cancer. The current study assessed differences between current and former smokers with and without cancer to determine if there are differences in depression, anxiety, and stress that may need to be targeted in future cessation interventions among cancer patients. Methods: Participants (N = 203) completed an online survey about demographic characteristics, cigarette use, depression, anxiety, and stress. Results: Current smokers with cancer had higher depression (B = 2.66, SE = 1.29, p = .04), anxiety (B = 7.02, SE = 2.83, p = .01), perceived stress (B = 4.34, SE = 1.77, p = .01), and cancer-related stress (B = 12.25, SE = 4.71, p = .01) scores compared to former smokers with cancer. Current smokers with cancer had higher anxiety scores (B = 6.28, SE = 2.70, p = .02) than current smokers without cancer. Conclusions: The current study may help to inform future cancer-specific cessation intervention development to improve cessation rates and health outcomes.Implications for Cancer Survivors: Better understanding how negative affect may impact smoking cessation among those with cancer may impact length and quality of life, and addressing these issues may improve overall outcomes among survivors.