2023 North America Conference on Lung Cancer (NACLC) - Posters and Abstracts-PP01.172 (Poster) It is never too late to quit. A review: Smoking cessation can impact outcomes at all stages

PP01.172 (Poster) It is never too late to quit. A review: Smoking cessation can impact outcomes at all stages

Pdf Summary

Tobacco smoking is the biggest risk factor for developing lung cancer, but its impact goes beyond just causing the disease. Research has shown that continued smoking after a cancer diagnosis significantly affects both survival rates and the effectiveness of treatment. However, smoking cessation support is not always offered as part of cancer care. <br /><br />Multiple studies have revealed compelling evidence of improved survival associated with quitting smoking after a cancer diagnosis. For example, a study of lung cancer patients of all stages showed a nine-month difference in overall survival between those who quit smoking and those who didn't. Another study found that postoperative patients who continued to smoke had poorer survival rates. Additionally, quitting smoking after stereotactic radiation was associated with better two-year overall survival rates compared to those who continued smoking. A meta-analysis also demonstrated that smokers who quit at or around the time of their diagnosis had a 29% improvement in overall survival compared to those who continued smoking. <br /><br />Several sources, including a review of multiple studies through PubMed search, current NCCN Guidelines on smoking cessation in cancer care, and the 2020 US Surgeon General's Report, have confirmed the impact of smoking cessation on cancer outcomes. However, this treatment component is often underutilized, presenting an opportunity for cancer programs to integrate cessation resources that could benefit all patients who struggle to quit on their own. It is essential to further integrate smoking cessation in education, research, and clinical care to improve outcomes for cancer patients.

Asset Subtitle

Matthew Steliga

Keywords

Tobacco smoking

lung cancer

risk factor

smoking cessation

cancer diagnosis

survival rates

treatment effectiveness

cancer care

quitting smoking

overall survival