It's never too late for those with cancer to quit smoking

A smoking cessation program developed by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine demonstrates that quitting smoking can be more effective than some chemotherapy treatments in prolonging life for cancer patients.

• Approximately 25% of individuals diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. are active smokers, highlighting the urgent need for effective smoking cessation programs.
• The National Comprehensive Cancer Network emphasizes that continued smoking during cancer treatment can worsen outcomes, making cessation critical for patient survival.
• Research from the Siteman Cancer Center indicates that quitting smoking leads to better life expectancy than certain chemotherapy regimens, reshaping oncology practices.
• The study utilized data from electronic health record systems to track the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions among cancer patients post-diagnosis.
• Experts, including those with a Doctor of Medicine degree, advocate for integrating smoking cessation into cancer care protocols to enhance patient quality of life.