Treatment of Tobacco Dependence Syndrome in Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background: The treatment of tobacco dependence is still not included in routine cancer care in Poland. We have developed a comprehensive program aimed at introducing tobacco dependence treatment as a standard procedure of cancer treatment. The pilot program was implemented in 2015 in two Polish cities: in Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute - Oncology Center in Warsaw and in Oncology Centre in Bialystok. After two years we started follow-up of the program. Aim: To present the results of conducted follow-up study of the treatment of tobacco dependence pilot program in Poland. Methods: The pilot smoking cessation program was implemented in 2015. Tobacco dependent patients treated in the Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute- Oncology Center in Warsaw and Oncology Center in Bialystok participated in course of medical and psychological counseling in smoking cessation clinic and through telephone support sessions. After two years we have conducted follow-up. We reached follow-up rate of 77%. Followed-up patients were asked about behavioral changes concerning smoking and main motivation to quit smoking. The data concerning smoking cessation were collected during telephone sessions. Based on that we analyzed indicators of treatment effectiveness. Results: In pilot program 87% of participating patients implemented a behavioral change, 70% of participating patients made a quit attempt, 55% reduced smoking, and 35% stopped smoking completely after intervention. After two years 30% of participating patients are not smoking and 40% reduced smoking. 85% of patients, who have maintained the behavioral change have used a pharmacological treatment and participated in all of available procedures (medical advices, psychological counseling sessions and telephone support sessions). As main motivation for quitting, 90% patients declared state of health (including cancer diagnosis) and pressure of family members (65%). Conclusion: High percentage of cancer patients who have reduced the number of smoked cigarettes or stopped smoking indicates that specialist support increases chance to make positive behavioral changes, or even stop smoking completely. The results of the study show that cancer diagnoses can be a very teachable moment, and it is recommended that health care providers use this opportunity and offer smoking cessation help to their patients.