The perception of smoking continuation after cancer diagnosis — results from qualitative study among patients with lung cancer

Abstract

Introduction. Continuation of smoking by people with cancer is an important factor that influences the course of treatment and prognosis. Therefore, it is important to help smokers to stop smoking even after cancer diagnosis. The aim of the study was to analyze the process of smoking continuation by patients with lung cancer.

Materials and methods: The study used a qualitative method — individual in-depth interviews. Interviews were conducted with three patients in the terminal phase of lung cancer. Interviews were recorded, followed by preparation of transcripts. Content analysis technique was used for the data analysis.

Results: Based on the analysis of transcripts two categories were found: reasons of smoking and the impact of the diagnosis of lung cancer on smoking. Respondents indicated stress and its reduction after lighting a cigarette as the main reason of smoking. All participants were highly motivated to stop smoking after the diagnosis of cancer. They made such an attempt in a spontaneous manner, hoping that a strong will suffice to deal with addiction to nicotine. They all went back to smoking seeing reasons for failure in the absence of strong will and stress.

Conclusions: Smokers with a diagnosis of cancer require professional support for more effective smoking cessation.