The Link Between Smoking Cessation and Reduced Cancer Mortality Rates

According to a study published in BMC Cancer, smoking cessation within 6 months of cancer diagnosis is associated with longer survival and lower 3-year mortality rates compared to no smoking cessation within 6 months.

We know for a fact that smoking or any form of excessive tobacco consumption is a cause of cancer. Undoubtedly, there is a link between smoking cessation and reduced cancer mortality rates. Individuals who stop smoking, either before diagnosis or post-diagnosis have a better chance of cancer remission and longer life expectancy.

Benefits of quitting smoking before a cancer diagnosis

Quitting smoking before a cancer diagnosis can have several benefits, according to the search results:

1. Increased blood oxygen levels
2. Decreased heart rate, blood pressure, and chance of heart attack
3. Better circulation
4. Decreased risk for lung cancer and head and neck cancers
5. Lower heart disease risk
6. Improved lung health, including less coughing and wheezing1
7. Improved survival rates for lung cancer patients who quit smoking before diagnosis
8. Reduced risk of developing cancer (compared to continued smoking) over time
9. Significantly reduced mortality and improved prognosis for cancer patients who quit smoking

Numerous studies like the one conducted by Oncology Nursing News have also found smoking cessation before a lung cancer diagnosis to improve patient outcomes drastically.

Overall, quitting smoking before a cancer diagnosis can improve overall health and increase the chances of successful treatment and survival.

The positive impact of smoking cessation on psychological health

Quitting smoking can improve mental health for cancer patients in countless ways. This is primarily because of the improved heart functioning and reduced physical strain which can uplift the patient’s overall mental outlook.

Further, quitting smoking can improve symptoms of some mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. There is also the tendency of people attempting smoking cessation to experience a more positive outlook on life than those who do not even curb their smoking.

While talking about smoking cessation, it is inevitable to talk about smoking cessation programs. They are designed to help people who use tobacco recognize and cope with withdrawal symptoms that are bound to arouse while attempting smoking cessation.

On the other hand, continuing to smoke may worsen mental health through neuroadaptations arising from chronic smoking, leading to frequent nicotine withdrawal symptoms (e.g. anxiety, depression, irritability). Indirectly, they also worsen the life expectancy of the patient.

The Importance of Early Smoking Cessation

Early smoking cessation is crucial for cancer patients as it can have a significant impact on their clinical outcomes and overall survival rates. The following points explain the importance of early smoking cessation in detail:

• Improved clinical outcomes

Smoking cessation after a cancer diagnosis is associated with better tolerance of treatment, reduced risk of failure and second primary tumor, and better quality of life found the Translational Lung Cancer Research. The same study also found that continued smoking is among the strongest adverse predictors of survival in cancer patients. Therefore, quitting smoking as early as possible after a cancer diagnosis can improve clinical outcomes and reduce mortality rates.

• Increased survival rates

Lung cancer patients who quit smoking before diagnosis had significantly better survival rates than smokers, and the longer without smoking, the better the odds of survival2. A study by the National institutes of Health found that people who quit smoking at any time, even up to 2 years before a lung cancer diagnosis, have increased chances of survival after their diagnosis.

Another study by Cancer.gov estimated that 3 years after diagnosis, 75% of those who quit smoking would be alive, compared with 66% of those who continued smoking; 5 years after diagnosis, 61% of those who quit smoking and 49% of those who continued smoking would still be alive.

• Reduced risk of second primary tumors

Smoking cessation after cancer diagnosis can reduce the risk of second primary tumors while continued smoking increases the risk of developing a second primary tumor in cancer patients.

Smoking cessation is not easy and requires support

Although quitting smoking is essential for cancer patients, it may be difficult for many patients to quit and stay quit because of the highly addictive nature of nicotine. Effective smoking cessation interventions are available, including pharmacological cessation aids combined with behavioral interventions. It is important for healthcare providers to address smoking cessation for both cancer patients and their families to provide optimal care and enhance long-term smoking cessation outcomes.

Kicking the smoking habit

Early smoking cessation is essential for cancer patients as it can improve clinical outcomes, increase survival rates, reduce the risk of second primary tumors, improve quality of life, and provide lasting health benefits. Healthcare providers should encourage and support patients in quitting smoking to improve their overall health and well-being.

Quitting smoking after a cancer diagnosis is associated with multiple benefits, including better tolerance of treatment, reduced risk of failure and second primary tumor, and better quality of life. Continued smoking is considered the strongest adverse predictor of survival in cancer patients. It is important for patients to be aware of the harms related to continued tobacco use after cancer diagnosis and the benefits of smoking cessation.