Understanding Why, When, and How Cancer Influences Substance Use Behavior Among Appalachian Patients: A Descriptive Analysis of Linking Survey Items
Abstract
Cancer and substance use disorder disproportionately impact Appalachian communities, yet little research examines how a cancer diagnosis itself may influence substance use behavior. This study aimed to understand why, when, and how cancer impacts substance use among Appalachian patients. The guiding research question was: Does a cancer diagnosis function as a trigger for substance use initiation or escalation? We hypothesized that cancer diagnosis would be associated with increased substance use due to psychological distress, pain management needs, and financial strain. This study addresses an important gap by going beyond documenting co-occurrence as it examines how and why cancer may influence substance use. Data was collected between June - August 2024 using an online cross-sectional survey. Participants were required to be 18 years or older, reside in Appalachia, and have a prior cancer diagnosis. Descriptive analyses of demographic variables and survey items assessing opioid prescribing, pre-diagnosis substance use, post-diagnosis changes in use, coping motivations, pain management substitution, treatment access barriers, and financial burden were conducted. A total of 31 people participated; the median age was 65, and 75% were female. More than half of the participants (59%) reported substance use before diagnosis, and 41% reported increased use following diagnosis. Substance use was frequently linked to psychological coping (71%). Almost half (47%) reported using substances for cancer-related pain management. Only 29% of participants believed their substance use was directly related to their cancer diagnosis. Additionally, 35% reported substances were easier to obtain than traditional treatment, while only 6% indicated cost of treatment influenced substance use. Overall, findings suggest substance use among cancer survivors in this Appalachian-region convenience sample was more strongly associated with coping and symptom management than with treatment access or financial barriers. The identification of behavioral pathways informs intervention targets.
Start Time
15-4-2026 9:00 AM
End Time
15-4-2026 10:00 AM
Room Number
304
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
Grad/Comp Orals
Presentation Category
Health
Student Type
Graduate
Faculty Mentor
Mildred Maisonet
Understanding Why, When, and How Cancer Influences Substance Use Behavior Among Appalachian Patients: A Descriptive Analysis of Linking Survey Items
304
Cancer and substance use disorder disproportionately impact Appalachian communities, yet little research examines how a cancer diagnosis itself may influence substance use behavior. This study aimed to understand why, when, and how cancer impacts substance use among Appalachian patients. The guiding research question was: Does a cancer diagnosis function as a trigger for substance use initiation or escalation? We hypothesized that cancer diagnosis would be associated with increased substance use due to psychological distress, pain management needs, and financial strain. This study addresses an important gap by going beyond documenting co-occurrence as it examines how and why cancer may influence substance use. Data was collected between June - August 2024 using an online cross-sectional survey. Participants were required to be 18 years or older, reside in Appalachia, and have a prior cancer diagnosis. Descriptive analyses of demographic variables and survey items assessing opioid prescribing, pre-diagnosis substance use, post-diagnosis changes in use, coping motivations, pain management substitution, treatment access barriers, and financial burden were conducted. A total of 31 people participated; the median age was 65, and 75% were female. More than half of the participants (59%) reported substance use before diagnosis, and 41% reported increased use following diagnosis. Substance use was frequently linked to psychological coping (71%). Almost half (47%) reported using substances for cancer-related pain management. Only 29% of participants believed their substance use was directly related to their cancer diagnosis. Additionally, 35% reported substances were easier to obtain than traditional treatment, while only 6% indicated cost of treatment influenced substance use. Overall, findings suggest substance use among cancer survivors in this Appalachian-region convenience sample was more strongly associated with coping and symptom management than with treatment access or financial barriers. The identification of behavioral pathways informs intervention targets.
