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Cancer

Smoking Cessation Key to Prolonged Survival for Cancer Patients

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

New research published online in the JNCCN-Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network reveals that individuals with cancer who quit smoking have a much lower risk of dying within two years compared to those who continue smoking. The study, which tracked over 13,000 individuals with cancer, found that the survival benefit was seen across all cancer types and stages, including stages III and IV, where treatment may be less curative. Despite the benefits of quitting smoking, only about 1 in 5 smokers quit within six months of their visit.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that individuals who continued smoking had a 97% higher risk of death within two years compared to those who quit smoking.
  • The research involved over 13,000 individuals with cancer, tracking whether they quit smoking in the first six months after being seen in clinic.
  • The survival benefit of quitting smoking was seen across all cancer types and stages, including stages III and IV.
  • The study highlighted the importance of smoking cessation as the fourth pillar of cancer care, alongside surgery, radiation therapy, and chemo/immunotherapy.
  • The Cancer Center Cessation Initiative (C3I) implemented an electronic health record-based tool for streamlining the process for doctors to assess smoking status and provide assistance with quitting.
  • 22.1% of smokers self-identified as currently smoking and quit within the following six months.
  • Of the 13,282 patients studied, 13% self-identified as currently smoking.

Statistics:

  • 13,282 patients were studied, with 13% self-identifying as currently smoking.
  • 22.1% of smokers quit within the following six months.
  • The study found that individuals who continued smoking had a 97% higher risk of death within two years compared to those who quit smoking.
  • 1 in 5 smokers quit within six months of their visit.

Sources:

  • "New research published online in JNCCN-Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network."
  • "The Cancer Center Cessation Initiative (C3I)"
  • "National Comprehensive Cancer Network"
  • "Steven Tohmasi, MD, MPHS, Siteman Cancer Center, based at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis."
  • "Li-Shiun Chen, MD, MPH, ScD, Siteman Cancer Center, based at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine."

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