Originally published December 18 2005
Cancer researcher finds many patients continue smoking through illness and treatment
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
A new study by Dr. Ellen R. Gritz of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston shows that many cancer patients continue smoking without significant smoking cessation therapy, or at least strong advice from their doctors, which can have serious negative impacts on the outcome of their treatment.
Many people with cancer continue to smoke after their diagnosis, even though smoking can significantly compromise the outcome of treatment, according to a new study.
In a review of past research, the study authors found that even with the help of smoking cessation therapies, cancer patients often continued to smoke or fell back into the habit.
Though smokers who get help quitting appear more likely to succeed, studies have found wide variation in success rates.
In one study of lung cancer patients, for example, 40 percent of those who went through an educational-type therapy were abstinent 6 weeks later.
On the other hand, another trial found that "strong advice" about quitting from doctors seemed effective -- with 70 percent of cancer patients staying abstinent for a year.
According to the researchers, there is ample evidence that quitting smoking after a cancer diagnosis has important benefits, regardless of whether the cancer is smoking-related.
Studies have consistently found that patients who smoke have poorer survival rates, and a higher risk of cancer recurrence.
Research has also shown that cancer patients who stop smoking have a better quality of life, including better physical functioning and emotional well-being, according to Gritz and her colleagues.
And the evidence suggests that healthcare providers aren't doing enough to encourage cancer patients to quit.
Some tumors and cancer therapies can limit those options, and certain other components of quitting - such as exercise and diet changes -- may not be feasible for some patients, Gritz and her colleagues note.
On top of that, smokers with cancer may also be dealing with emotional problems, such as depression, anxiety and guilt, which can make quitting even more difficult.
The researchers call for more studies into the effectiveness of various cessation therapies for cancer patients, including those with tumors unrelated to smoking.
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