Integrating smoking cessation counseling into oncology practice — benefits and barriers

Abstract

Exposure to tobacco smoke, which contains around 70 carcinogenic components, leads to approximately 8 million deaths worldwide annually. Poland ranks among the top countries with the highest tobacco-related DALY (Disability-Adjusted Life Years) rates. Despite the well-documented risks of continuing to smoke after a cancer diagnosis and the benefits of quitting, many cancer patients continue to smoke. The benefits of quitting smoking for cancer patients are significant: improved survival rates, better treatment efficacy, reduced complications, lower risk of recurrence and secondary cancers, enhanced quality of life, and long-term health benefits such as lower risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Abstinence from smoking is considered the strongest predictor of survival in cancer patients who have ever smoked. However, the topic of smoking cessation is not frequently discussed by medical staff. A study conducted in Poland found that only 11% patients were informed about its negative impact on oncological treatment. This suggests a low level of awareness among medical personnel regarding the consequences of continued smoking on treatment outcomes and possible concerns about discouraging patients. Incorporating smoking cessation counseling into prehabilitation for oncology patients is crucial. Personalized information about improving treatment outcomes and the availability of specialist help could significantly increase patients’ chances of quitting smoking. Tailored counseling approaches and psychological support are essential to address individual concerns and overcome barriers to quitting, especially during the „teachable moment” of a chronic disease diagnosis. Time constraints during patient visits pose a challenge for oncologists and healthcare providers. However, delivering a personalized message about the benefits of quitting smoking and available support services can be done in under a minute. This message should be framed to avoid in­ducing guilt in patients. Despite the clear benefits of smoking cessation for cancer patients, Poland lacks an organized system of assistance. Integrating smoking cessation into oncology practice requires systemic changes. Ideally, oncology centers should refer smoking patients to dedicated cessation support centers staffed by trained health educators, psychologists, and nurses. Training sessions by the National Institute of Oncology can support this integration. In conc­lusion, integrating smoking cessation counseling into oncology practice is essential for improving cancer treatment outcomes and overall patient health. Overcoming barriers through education, dedicated resources, patient-centered approaches, and policy support can make smoking cessation a standard part of cancer care.