Janice Milliman, Quit Coach, Service Delivery

Smoking is so addictive that many patients continue to smoke even after being diagnosed with lung cancer. I’ve talked with several participants who continue or return to smoking after having part of their lung removed (a lobectomy) or an entire lung removed (a pneumonectomy).

Fear is one barrier to quitting. If you’re attempting something you’ve never done before or only “failed” at in the past, it’s perfectly normal to be afraid or hesitant. If someone has smoked for 30+ years and never tried to quit before, they may have no idea what life will be like without smoking. It has become such a normal part of their life that the world seems up-side-down without it. If that same person has been diagnosed with cancer and is dealing with great uncertainty about the future, it isn’t unreasonable for them to move in the direction of normalcy (smoking) versus greater uncertainty (quitting smoking).

Nearly everyone knows that smoking can cause cancer. On the other hand, most people would have difficulty listing the benefits of quitting after being diagnosed with lung cancer. The diagnosis is scary and can feel like a death sentence. Without knowing the benefits of quitting after diagnosis some patients may think, “It’s too late to quit now. The damage is done.” The truth is that quitting smoking can make a huge difference for a lung cancer patient. Quitting will still be challenging, but instead of feeling hopeless and helpless, patients can feel more in control of the outcome of their lung cancer treatment.

Quitting smoking:

• Improves circulation throughout the body and healing of surgical wounds
• Reduces the chance of infection following surgery
• Improves the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation
• Improves quality of life because those who quit have more energy, breathe easier and typically manage stress and anxiety in a more positive way
• Reduces the chance of cancer recurrence

Most people are quick to judge, criticize and shame smokers for continuing the deadly habit after cancer diagnosis. If nagging was an effective tactic, though, most smokers would have already quit. When we are unable to identify with someone else’s situation, it is easier to pass judgment or criticize. Since we know judgment and criticism won’t help someone quit smoking, the first step is moving toward greater understanding of their situation. We’re not giving the smoker excuses to continue their habit, but through understanding we can feel and demonstrate more compassion, which in the long run will more effectively help someone quit.

Lung cancer patients who smoke aren’t stupid or foolish, but they do need their doctor’s support to understand the benefits of quitting and guidance regarding medication to manage the nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Doctors should also encourage their patients to check on additional benefits and support they may be entitled to by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW. It is never too late to quit smoking.