Smoking Cessation Key to Prolonging Survival for Cancer Patients

Strategic Insights -

New research published online in JNCCN—Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network has found that patients with stage III or IV cancer who quit smoking gained nearly a full year of additional life over their counterparts who continued smoking. The study, which tracked over 13,000 individuals with cancer, found that those who quit smoking within six months of their visit had a much lower risk of dying within two years compared to those who kept smoking. Despite the benefits, only about 1 in 5 smokers quit within six months of their visit.

Key Takeaways:

  • Patients with stage III or IV cancer who quit smoking gained nearly a full year of additional life over their counterparts who continued smoking.
  • Those who quit smoking within six months of their visit had a 97% higher risk of death within two years compared to those who quit smoking.
  • The study found that individuals with cancer who stopped smoking after their diagnosis lived significantly longer than those who continued smoking, even when their cancer was at an advanced stage.
  • Only about 1 in 5 smokers quit within six months of their visit.
  • The study suggests that smoking cessation should be considered the fourth pillar of cancer care, alongside surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
  • The researchers noted that the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has free resources available to help guide important conversations between clinicians and patients about smoking cessation.
  • The NCCN guidelines and resources provide a trusted, evidence-based framework for delivering smoking cessation interventions consistently across all cancer types and stages.

Statistics:

  • 22.1% of smokers quit within six months of their visit.
  • 97% higher risk of death within two years for those who continued smoking compared to those who quit smoking.
  • Patients who quit smoking after their cancer diagnosis lived significantly longer than those who continued smoking.
  • Nearly a full year of additional life gained by patients with stage III or IV cancer who quit smoking.
  • Over 13,000 individuals with cancer were tracked in the study.
  • 13% of patients self-identified as currently smoking.

Sources:

  • JNCCN—Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
  • National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
  • Siteman Cancer Center, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
  • Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine