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Successes and failures of the teachable moment
Author(s) -
Gritz Ellen R.,
Fingeret Michelle Cororve,
Vidrine Damon J.,
Lazev Amy B.,
Mehta Netri V.,
Reece Gregory P.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/cncr.21598
Subject(s) - teachable moment , medicine , smoking cessation , psychological intervention , intervention (counseling) , cancer , quality of life (healthcare) , nicotine , intensive care medicine , family medicine , psychiatry , nursing , psychotherapist , pathology , psychology
BACKGROUND Successful cancer treatment can be significantly compromised by continued tobacco use. Because motivation and interest in smoking cessation increase after cancer diagnosis, a window of opportunity exists during which healthcare providers can intervene and assist in the quitting process. METHODS The authors conducted a comprehensive literature review to discuss 1) the benefits of smoking cessation in cancer patients, 2) current knowledge regarding smoking cessation interventions targeted to cancer patients, and 3) treatment models and state‐of the‐art guidelines for intervention with cancer patients who smoke. The authors present clinical cases to illustrate the challenging nature of smoking cessation treatment for cancer patients. RESULTS Continued smoking after cancer diagnosis has substantial adverse effects on treatment effectiveness, overall survival, risk of second primary malignancies, and quality of life. Although some encouraging results have been demonstrated with smoking cessation interventions targeted to cancer patients, few empirical studies of such interventions have been conducted. A range of intervention components and state‐of‐the‐art cessation guidelines are available that can be readily applied to cancer patients. Case illustrations highlight the crucial role of healthcare providers in promoting smoking cessation, the harmful impact of nicotine addiction manifested in delayed and failed reconstructive procedures, and unique problems encountered in treating patients who have particular difficulty quitting. CONCLUSIONS Despite the importance of stopping smoking for all cancer patients, the diagnosis of cancer is underused as a teachable moment for smoking cessation. More research is needed to empirically test cessation interventions for cancer patients, and attention must be given to complex and unique issues when tailoring cessation treatment to these individuals. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.