Never too Late - Cancer Centers push Patients to Quit Smoking

When cancer patients stop smoking, they heal faster, experience fewer side effects from treatment and lower their chances of tumors returning. Now, top cancer hospitals are helping patients quit as evidence mounts that it’s never too late.

The newest research, reported Monday, shows lung cancer patients who stopped smoking gained nearly two years of life compared to those who continued to smoke.

“It is a huge effect,” said Dr. Mahdi Sheikh, who led the study for the World Health Organization’s cancer research agency in Lyon, France. In lung cancer, he said, quitting smoking is “as necessary as the treatments.”

In the U.S., many cancer centers offer proven quit strategies: phone counseling, nicotine patches and pills that ease the urge to smoke. More cancer doctors are talking to their patients about quitting.

For some patients, the shock of a cancer diagnosis can be highly motivating.

“It’s the biggest reason I’ve ever had in my life to quit,” said Preston Browning, an electrician in Ridgetop, Tennessee, who quit cigarettes last month while recovering from cancer surgery.

Browning, now 20 years old, had smoked a pack a day since he was 14. He credits the stop-smoking drug Chantix and support from tobacco treatment specialists at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. Nurse Lesa Abney listened to Browning’s reasons for smoking — he described smoking as “me time” and “a little reward” — and suggested strategies he could use: Eat breakfast instead of lighting up each morning. Reach for a toothpick after lunch. Treat yourself with dessert.

“If it wasn’t for Lesa, I think it would have been harder,” Browning said.

Browning had sarcoma in his leg, a rare cancer of unknown cause.

In contrast, lung cancer is largely linked to tobacco use, so smokers may feel shame, despair and hopelessness after diagnosis, experts say. It can be welcome news to hear from doctors that they, too, can benefit from quitting.

In Monday's study, researchers followed 517 Russian lung cancer patients who smoked, checking annually to see whether they’d quit. After five years, nearly 60% of those who quit smoking were alive, compared to about 47% of those who continued smoking.

The effect held up regardless of tumor stage, how much the patient smoked or how long after diagnosis they quit, researchers reported in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

“Doctors at every visit should encourage their lung cancer patients to quit smoking,” Sheikh said.

A $27 million National Cancer Institute program is helping 53 cancer centers integrate tobacco treatment into care. It has reached more than 50,000 patients since 2018.

“We’ve already learned a tremendous amount from this,” said Director Dr. Ned Sharpless. “With relatively modest support — these are not huge, expensive programs — you can markedly increase the number of patients you reach.”

The next step, he said, is spreading the know-how to smaller cancer clinics.

In California, the Stanford Cancer Institute phones patients who use tobacco to offer support from specialists and stop-smoking medication

“If you’ve got life-saving treatment it should be provided to all patients,” said Judith Prochaska who directs Stanford's tobacco program, which received the federal funds.

At Stanford’s cancer clinics, about 1 in 4 patients who accept tobacco treatment remain tobacco free after two years, Prochaska said.

Mike Fulton, 71, a retired bank president in San Jose, California, smoked a pack a day for decades before he was diagnosed with throat cancer last year. After successful radiation and chemotherapy, he said, he still sneaked occasional cigarettes, thinking, “This is crazy. The cancer’s cured, but I know I’m hurting myself because I can feel it.”

He sought help, and began weekly phone chats with a Stanford counselor. A tip he followed: Make your cigarettes harder to reach. He moved them farther and farther away, starting from a drawer in the bedroom.

"Finally, I put them on the roof in a gutter. To reach it, I needed a metal ladder. Which I climbed once, and had a puff from a pack that had seven cigarettes in it.”

“Now,” Fulton said, “they’re gone.”

Nicotine gum and a twice-a-day pill help with cravings.

In Houston, more than 1,000 patients a year at the MD Anderson Cancer Center take part in tobacco treatment, receiving counseling alone or with medications. It's not enough to refer someone to a quit line, said program director Diane Beneventi

“I wish every person who has cancer who smokes knew they stand to gain a great deal if they quit,” Beneventi said. “It’s more important now than it’s ever been in their life.”

Browning, the Tennessee patient, had tried to quit smoking twice before. He believes  it will stick this time.

“Smoking with cancer? I feel like that’s tempting fate.”

Cancer: Understanding the Disease, Its Causes, and Advances in Treatment

Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. It arises when genetic mutations disrupt the normal regulatory mechanisms that control cell division, leading to the formation of tumors or the invasion of healthy tissues. With over 100 different types identified, cancer can affect virtually any part of the body, making it one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Understanding its causes, risk factors, diagnostic methods, and treatment options is crucial for prevention and effective management.

What Is Cancer? At its core, cancer is a disease of the genes. Normally, cells grow, divide, and die in a controlled manner, ensuring the body’s tissues and organs function properly. However, when DNA damage occurs and is not repaired, mutations can accumulate, causing cells to proliferate uncontrollably. These abnormal cells may form a mass called a tumor, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumors have the potential to invade nearby tissues and metastasize, spreading to distant parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Types of Cancer Cancers are classified based on their origin: - Carcinomas arise from epithelial cells (e.g., lung, breast, prostate, and colon cancers). - Sarcomas develop in connective tissues like bones, muscles, or cartilage. - Leukemias affect blood-forming tissues, leading to abnormal white blood cell production. - Lymphomas originate in the lymphatic system. - Central nervous system cancers involve the brain and spinal cord.

Each type behaves differently, requiring tailored approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

Causes and Risk Factors While the exact cause of cancer is often unclear, several risk factors increase susceptibility: 1. Genetic Mutations: Inherited conditions like BRCA1/BRCA2 (linked to breast and ovarian cancers) or Lynch syndrome (colon cancer) raise risks. 2. Environmental Exposures: Carcinogens such as tobacco smoke, asbestos, UV radiation, and certain chemicals contribute to DNA damage. 3. Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and physical inactivity are major preventable causes. 4. Infections: Viruses like HPV (cervical cancer), Hepatitis B/C (liver cancer), and H. pylori (stomach cancer) play a role. 5. Age: The risk increases with age due to accumulated genetic damage over time.

Symptoms and Diagnosis Cancer symptoms vary widely but may include unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, lumps, changes in bowel or bladder habits, and unusual bleeding. Early detection improves outcomes, making screening programs (e.g., mammograms, colonoscopies) vital. Diagnostic tools include: - Imaging tests (X-rays, CT, MRI, PET scans). - Biopsies (tissue sample analysis). - Blood tests (tumor markers like PSA for prostate cancer).

Treatment Options Treatment depends on cancer type, stage, and patient health. Common approaches include: 1. Surgery: Removal of tumors and surrounding tissue. 2. Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams target and destroy cancer cells. 3. Chemotherapy: Drugs kill rapidly dividing cells but may affect healthy tissues. 4. Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. 5. Targeted Therapy: Drugs focus on specific molecular abnormalities in cancer cells. 6. Hormone Therapy: Blocks hormones that fuel certain cancers (e.g., breast, prostate).

Prevention and Research Preventive measures include avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, protecting against infections (e.g., HPV vaccination), and regular screenings. Advances in genomics, immunotherapy, and personalized medicine are revolutionizing treatment, offering hope for more effective and less toxic therapies.

Cancer remains a formidable global health challenge, but progress in research and early detection continues to improve survival rates. Public awareness, lifestyle modifications, and access to advanced treatments are key to reducing its burden. With ongoing scientific breakthroughs, the future holds promise for better prevention, diagnosis, and management of this devastating disease.

Stop Smoking Tips: A Comprehensive Guide to Quitting for Good

Smoking is a harmful habit that poses severe risks to health, including lung disease, heart conditions, and cancer. Despite the known dangers, quitting can be challenging due to nicotine addiction and psychological dependence. However, with the right strategies, it is possible to overcome this habit and lead a healthier life. Below are practical and effective tips to help you stop smoking for good.

1. Understand Your Motivation Before quitting, identify your reasons for wanting to stop. Whether it's improving health, saving money, or setting a good example for loved ones, a strong motivation will keep you committed. Write down your reasons and revisit them whenever cravings strike.

2. Set a Quit Date Choose a specific date to quit smoking. This gives you time to prepare mentally and physically. Avoid selecting a high-stress day, as stress can trigger relapse. Mark the date on your calendar and inform friends or family for accountability.

3. Seek Professional Help Consult a healthcare provider for guidance. They may recommend nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) like patches, gum, or lozenges to ease withdrawal symptoms. Prescription medications, such as varenicline or bupropion, can also reduce cravings.

4. Identify and Avoid Triggers Recognize situations that prompt smoking, such as stress, social gatherings, or drinking coffee. Develop alternative responses—chew gum, take deep breaths, or go for a walk when cravings arise.

5. Adopt Healthy Habits Exercise regularly to reduce stress and improve mood. A balanced diet helps repair damage caused by smoking. Drinking plenty of water flushes toxins from your body and reduces cravings.

6. Use Behavioral Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps change thought patterns associated with smoking. A therapist can teach coping mechanisms to resist cravings and manage stress without cigarettes.

7. Join a Support Group Connecting with others who are quitting provides encouragement and accountability. Organizations like the American Lung Association offer programs such as Freedom From Smoking.

8. Try Alternative Therapies Some find relief through acupuncture, hypnosis, or mindfulness meditation. While results vary, these methods can complement traditional quitting strategies.

9. Reward Progress Celebrate milestones, whether it’s a day, week, or month without smoking. Treat yourself to something enjoyable, reinforcing positive behavior.

10. Stay Persistent Relapses are common but don’t indicate failure. Analyze what triggered the slip-up and adjust your strategy. Each attempt brings you closer to quitting permanently.

11. Avoid Alcohol and Other Triggers Alcohol lowers inhibitions, increasing the likelihood of smoking. Limit or avoid it during early quitting stages. Similarly, stay away from smokers if peer pressure is a challenge.

12. Keep Your Hands and Mouth Busy Replace smoking with activities like chewing sugar-free gum, snacking on healthy foods, or using a stress ball. This helps break the physical habit.

13. Educate Yourself on Withdrawal Symptoms Nicotine withdrawal can cause irritability, headaches, and fatigue. These symptoms are temporary, usually peaking within the first week. Knowing what to expect makes them easier to manage.

14. Use Mobile Apps and Quitlines Apps like QuitNow! or Smoke Free track progress and provide motivational tips. National quitlines offer free counseling and support.

15. Visualize Success Imagine a smoke-free life—better health, more energy, and financial savings. Visualization strengthens commitment and keeps long-term goals in focus.

16. Clean Your Environment Remove cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays from your home, car, and workplace. Wash clothes and upholstery to eliminate smoke smells, reducing temptation.

17. Practice Stress Management Since stress is a major trigger, adopt relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing, or journaling. Regular exercise also helps alleviate anxiety.

18. Monitor Your Health Improvements Track positive changes, such as improved breathing, better taste and smell, and increased stamina. These benefits reinforce why quitting is worthwhile.

19. Stay Committed Long-Term Even after quitting, remain vigilant. Some cravings may resurface months later. Remind yourself of your progress and avoid overconfidence.

20. Seek Help if Needed If quitting feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to ask for professional or emotional support. Friends, family, and healthcare providers can offer encouragement.

Quitting smoking is a challenging but achievable goal. By combining determination, support, and effective strategies, you can break free from nicotine addiction and enjoy a healthier, smoke-free life. The journey may be difficult, but the long-term benefits make every effort worthwhile.

Sponsored by

wordpress sidebar widget, php widgets, Guest Posting Services