Cancer Survivors Face Low Rates of Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment

A recent study has revealed concerning trends in the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD) among cancer survivors in the United States. According to the findings published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, only 14.3% of adult cancer survivors with a new AUD diagnosis initiated treatment within a year.

The research, led by a team from The University of Texas at Austin, utilized data from Merative MarketScan claims spanning from January 2011 to December 2021. The study focused on cancer survivors who had received a new diagnosis of AUD, analyzing a cohort of 71,875 individuals.

Among the participants, the study found that the initiation rate for psychosocial therapy was 12.6%, while only 2.8% of patients began treatment with FDA-approved medications for AUD. Alarmingly, just 0.95% of these cancer survivors accessed both FDA-approved medications and psychosocial therapy within the year following their diagnosis.

The research highlighted notable differences in treatment initiation, with female cancer survivors showing a higher rate of 18.2% compared to 12.2% for their male counterparts. Moreover, younger cancer survivors, specifically those under 65, had a significantly higher treatment initiation rate of 17.2% compared to only 8.3% for those aged 65 and older.

The authors of the study suggested that the low rates of AUD treatment among cancer survivors might be attributed to various systemic and individual factors. They pointed out that a lack of provider knowledge regarding available treatments for AUD, along with misconceptions that the disorder might resolve independently, could be contributing to this issue. Additionally, the stigma surrounding AUD may deter patients from seeking the help they need.

As awareness of the intersection between cancer survivorship and substance use disorders grows, these findings underscore the necessity for improved education and resources for both healthcare providers and patients. Enhanced training for providers on the treatment options available for AUD and the implementation of supportive measures to reduce stigma could play a critical role in improving treatment access and outcomes for cancer survivors struggling with alcohol use disorder.

For further details, refer to the full study in the Annals of Internal Medicine.