Tobacco Use and Exposure Among Youth Undergoing Cancer Treatment

IntroductionAdolescents with cancer are susceptible to the health consequences associated with secondhand smoke exposure (SHSE) and tobacco use. The present study compared tobacco use, exposure, and risk factors between patients and population peers.MethodSelf-reported data on tobacco use, SHSE, and tobacco-related risk factors were drawn from a pediatric oncology hospital and the National Youth Tobacco Survey. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios for patients and control subjects.ResultsPatients were as likely to have tried tobacco and report home SHSE as control subjects. Patients were more likely to report car SHSE, less likely to report that SHSE is harmful, and less likely to report home smoking bans.DiscussionPatients experienced SHSE, tobacco use, and tobacco-related risk factors at rates greater than or equal to control subjects. These results provide support for consideration of intervention targets, health status, and delivery mechanisms, particularly by health care providers, when developing comprehensive tobacco control strategies.