IASLC Position Statement: Tobacco Cessation after a Cancer Diagnosis-IASLC Position Statement on Tobacco Cessation after a Cancer Diagnosis

IASLC Position Statement on Tobacco Cessation after a Cancer Diagnosis

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The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) has released a position statement emphasizing the importance of tobacco cessation after a cancer diagnosis. While the harmful effects of smoking on health are well-known, the negative impacts of continued smoking after a cancer diagnosis are often overlooked. Research has shown that smoking by cancer patients and survivors leads to increased overall mortality, cancer-related mortality, and a higher risk of a second primary cancer. It also worsens the toxicity of cancer treatments and increases the cost of cancer care. On the other hand, quitting smoking after a cancer diagnosis has been associated with improved survival and significant benefits for non-cancer-related health outcomes.<br /><br />Although surveys show that 80-90% of oncology providers believe smoking cessation should be a standard part of cancer care, less than half of them regularly assist their patients in quitting smoking. This results in most patients not receiving evidence-based support to quit smoking. The IASLC recommends that all cancer patients should be screened for tobacco use and provided with counseling, pharmacotherapy, and follow-up for tobacco cessation. It is crucial for healthcare providers involved in the care of cancer patients to receive training on tobacco cessation and communicate empathetically with patients. Practice guidelines and care paths for all cancers should include smoking cessation, and smoking status should be included as a required data element in clinical studies and trials.<br /><br />The IASLC also highlights the need for preclinical and clinical research to better understand the effects of smoking and cessation on various aspects of cancer, such as biology, overall survival, and treatment toxicity. By making smoking cessation a standard part of cancer care, it is possible to have a significant impact on patient outcomes and reduce the burden of tobacco-related harm in cancer patients.<br /><br />The IASLC is an international organization focused on the study of lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. It has a global network of over 7,500 lung cancer specialists and publishes the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, a leading publication in the field. For more information, visit www.iaslc.org.

Keywords

International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer

IASLC

tobacco cessation

cancer diagnosis

smoking

mortality

second primary cancer

cancer care

oncology providers

patient outcomes