scholarly journals Smoking Cessation Among Cancer Patients in Central and Eastern Europe: Call for Action

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 84s-84s
Author(s):  
M. Cedzyńska ◽  
M. Marta ◽  
P. Koczkodaj ◽  
I. Przepiorka
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Eastern Europe ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Central And Eastern Europe ◽  
Cancer Centers ◽  
Quit Smoking ◽  
Quitting Smoking

Background: Despite the fact that smoking has been linked not only to the development of cancer, but also to prognosis upon diagnosis and risk of death during treatment, many cancer patients continue to smoke. Quitting smoking can be beneficial also after cancer diagnosis, regardless of stage and prognosis. Those benefits are: improved survival outcomes, reduced risk of recurrence and second primary formation, increase treatment response to chemo and radiotherapy, reduced treatment-related complications, better self-reported quality of life related to disease and treatment than among smokers and less pain. The evidence is strong enough to incorporate tobacco dependence treatment into routine cancer care, but in majority of countries in central and eastern Europe (CEE) there are no actions taken to help cancer patients to quit smoking. Aim: To identify main barriers in providing smoking cessation to cancer patients in central and eastern Europe. Methods: Data were collected from participants of Workshop on Tobacco Control and Cessation organized by Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, Poland and the National Cancer Institute, US. Following countries provided detailed data: Armenia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Lithuania, Poland, Macedonia, Serbia. The areas that were investigated: guidelines on smoking cessation dedicated to cancer patients, quit smoking programs for cancer patients, existing literature on barriers for delivery smoking cessation advice and personal opinion of tobacco control experts regarding those barriers. Results: I. Guidelines for smoking cessation among cancer patients have been published only in one country (Serbia) out of nine analyzed countries of the region. II. Programs on smoking cessation dedicated to cancer patients were implemented only in two countries: 1: Poland. Pilot program within National Health Program in 2015 (3 months in cancer centers in two cities). 2: Hungary. In 2012 pilot project. In 2017 National Institute for Pulmonology run 3 workshops on smoking cessation for cancer nurses. III. There is no literature on barriers in incorporating smoking cessation into cancer care in the CEE region. IV. Experts opinions are consistent with worldwide literature findings-the main barriers are lack of knowledge, lack of training, overloading with work focused on diagnosis and cancer treatment, difficulties in implementing systemic changes. Conclusion: There is a strong need to take action in central and eastern Europe to engage oncologists and other cancer healthcare providers into smoking cessation. It is crucial to increase the knowledge on benefits of quitting smoking for cancer patients' health and results of cancer treatment. Sustainable change can be achieved by publishing guidelines and implementing training programs that address the attitudes and beliefs. Implementing systemic changes within cancer centers might be required to improve survival and quality of life of cancer patients in central and eastern European region.

Cannabis in cancer patients [CP] to improve quality of life [QOL] and cancer related symptoms [CRS]: Illinois Cancer Care cannabis education and clinical analysis.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e18812-e18812
Author(s):  
Shawn Michael Seibert ◽  
Pankaj Kumar ◽  
Patrick Leigh Gomez ◽  
Christina Nicole Gomez ◽  
Laura M. Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Clinical Analysis ◽  
Improve Quality

A review of the effects of tobacco smoking on the treatment of prostate cancer

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Faiza Nuru ◽  
Ernest Osei ◽  
Rahil Kassim
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Tobacco Smoking ◽  
Treatment Efficacy ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Risk Of Cancer

Abstract Background: Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the third leading cause of death among Canadian men. The standard treatment modalities for prostate cancer include prostatectomy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy and chemotherapy or any combination depending on the stage of the tumour. However, several studies have reported that tobacco smoking at the time of diagnosis and during treatment can potentially impact treatment efficacy, outcome and patients quality of life after treatment. Materials and methods: This narrative literature review elucidates the impacts of tobacco smoking on prostate cancer progression, treatment efficacy, including its effects on prostatectomy, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, risk of cancer recurrence and mortality and quality of life after treatment. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of integrating a smoking cessation programme into the treatment regimen for prostate cancer patients in order to yield more favourable treatment outcomes, reduce risk of recurrence and mortality and increase the quality of life after treatment for prostate cancer patients. Conclusions: Smoking cessation is one of the most important interventions to prevent cancer and it is also essential after the diagnosis of prostate cancer to improve clinical outcomes. All prostate cancer patients should be advised to quit tobacco use since it can potentially improve treatment response rates and survival, as well as reduce the risk of developing treatment complications and potentially improve the quality of life after treatment. There are several benefits to smoking cessation and it should become an important component of the cancer care continuum in all oncology programmes, starting from prevention of cancer through diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and palliative care. Evidence-based smoking cessation intervention should be sustainably integrated into any comprehensive cancer programme, and the information should be targeted to the specific benefits of cessation in cancer patients.

scholarly journals Smoking Behaviors Among Cancer Survivors: An Observational Clinical Study

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lola Burke ◽  
Lesley-Ann Miller ◽  
Ayman Saad ◽  
Jame Abraham
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Clinical Study ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Smoking Cessation Counseling ◽  
Quit Smoking ◽  
Quitting Smoking ◽  
Smoking Behaviors

Purpose: Smoking is a well-recognized risk factor for several cancers including cancers of the lung, bladder, and head and neck. Studies have shown that smoking can adversely affect the outcomes of different modalities of cancer treatment. This study examines smoking behaviors among cancer survivors to collect information necessary to create successful smoking cessation interventions. Methods: For this observational clinical study, questionnaires were sent to 1,000 randomly selected patients diagnosed with cancer between 2003 and 2007 in one cancer center. Data were statistically analyzed to determine the likelihood of a patient quitting smoking after being diagnosed with cancer. Results: We received 187 responses from the 1,000 surveys sent (18.7%). Of these, 166 were usable for analysis. The mean age of respondents was 64 (± 13) years. Men were more likely than women to be past smokers (55% of men and 32% of women respectively, P = .003). Fifty-two percent of respondents reported having a history of smoking. However, only 20% of patients reported having been active smokers at the time they were diagnosed with cancer. Furthermore, only 44% of these reported having quit smoking after their diagnosis with cancer. Only 62% of all respondents reported that they had been informed of the dangers of smoking by their health care provider during cancer treatment. Conclusion: In our study sample, less than one half (44%) of smoking cancer patients quit smoking after their cancer diagnosis, and only 62% of smoking cancer patients received smoking cessation counseling from their physicians. Intervention programs are needed to help cancer survivors to quit smoking. Prospective clinical trials may help identify the ideal intervention for smoking cessation.

scholarly journals Content of rehabilitation in the continuum of cancer care for patients in disease situations

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-64
Author(s):  
Alexandr B. Shmerkevich ◽  
Irina L. Krom ◽  
Marina V. Erugina ◽  
Diana D. Balakina
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Working Age ◽  
The Continuum

Because of the optimization of the clinical and social prognosis of patients with cancer in recent decades, the possibility of incorporating rehabilitation in the continuum of cancer care is considered. Therefore, this study presents a comparative analysis of the quality of life among 427 working-age respondents with breast cancer in disease situations using the WHO QOL 100 questionnaire. Based on the results, a statistically significant decrease in the quality of life among the respondents in the physical and the level of independence spheres in the non-terminal situation of the disease was found, whereas in the group of incurable patients, a statistically significant decrease in the quality of life among the respondents in the physical, psychological, and level of independence spheres was found. Through the findings of this study, the rehabilitation of cancer patients in disease situations can be personified, and recommendations for improving the continuum of cancer care can be developed.

scholarly journals Effect of quitting smoking on health outcomes during treatment for tuberculosis: secondary analysis of the TB & Tobacco Trial

Thorax ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. thoraxjnl-2020-215926
Author(s):  
Kamran Siddiqi ◽  
Ada Keding ◽  
Anna-Marie Marshall ◽  
Omara Dogar ◽  
Jinshuo Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Completion Rates ◽  
Tb Treatment ◽  
Quitting Smoking ◽  
Sputum Conversion ◽  
Relapse Rates

BackgroundDespite treatment, patients with tuberculosis (TB) who smoke have poorer outcomes compared with non-smokers. It is unknown, however, if quitting smoking during the 6 months of TB treatment improves TB outcomes.MethodsThe TB & Tobacco Trial was a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial of cytisine for smoking cessation in 2472 patients with pulmonary TB in Bangladesh and Pakistan. In a secondary analysis, we investigated the hypothesis that smoking cessation improves health outcomes in patients during the TB treatment course. The outcomes included an eight-point TB clinical score, sputum conversion rates, chest X-ray grades, quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), TB cure plus treatment completion rates and relapse rates. These were compared between those who stopped smoking and those who did not, using regression analysis.ResultsWe analysed the data of 2273 (92%) trial participants. Overall, 25% (577/2273) of participants stopped smoking. Compared with non-quitters, those who quit had better TB cure plus treatment completion rates (91% vs 80%, p<0.001) and lower TB relapse rates (6% vs 14%, p<0.001). Among quitters, a higher sputum conversion rate at week 9 (91% vs 87%, p=0.036), lower mean TB clinical scores (−0.20 points, 95% CI −0.31 to −0.08, p=0.001) and slightly better quality of life (mean EQ-5D-5L 0.86 vs 0.85, p=0.015) at 6 months were also observed. These differences, except quality of life, remained statistically significant after adjusting for baseline values, trial arm and TB treatment adherence rates.ConclusionPatients with TB who stop smoking may have better outcomes than those who don’t. Health professionals should support patients in stopping smoking.

The oncologist’s role in delivering palliative care

2021 ◽  
pp. 787-799
Author(s):  
Nathan I. Cherny ◽  
Stein Kaasa
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Continuity Of Care ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Palliative Medicine ◽  
Collaborative Practice ◽  
Interdisciplinary Care

The division of cancer care into initial primary antitumour therapies followed by hospice or palliative care for patients who have progressive disease is anachronistic. Since the goals of medical oncology extend beyond the reduction of tumour burden and the deferral of death and incorporate a quality-of-life dimension, there is need for a continuum in patient care independent of whether the treatment intention is curative, life-prolonging, or symptomatic. Palliative care interventions should be integrated according to the clinical circumstances of the patient. This chapter outlines the oncologist’s role in the delivery of palliative care to cancer patients, emphasizing issues related to communication, interdisciplinary care, and collaborative practice with palliative medicine experts, and emphasizing principles of non-abandonment and continuity of care.

scholarly journals Strategies for Referring Cancer Patients in a Smoking Cessation Program

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (17) ◽  
pp. 6089 ◽  
Author(s):  
James M. Davis ◽  
Leah C. Thomas ◽  
Jillian E. H. Dirkes ◽  
H. Scott Swartzwelder
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Smoking Cessation Program ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Utilization Rate ◽  
Cancer Centers ◽  
Quit Smoking ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Practice Advisory

Most people who smoke and develop cancer are unable to quit smoking. To address this, many cancer centers have now opened smoking cessation programs specifically designed to help cancer patients to quit. An important question has now emerged—what is the most effective approach for engaging smokers within a cancer center in these smoking cessation programs? We report outcomes from a retrospective observational study comparing three referral methods—traditional referral, best practice advisory (BPA), and direct outreach—on utilization of the Duke Cancer Center Smoking Cessation Program. We found that program utilization rate was higher for direct outreach (5.4%) than traditional referral (0.8%), p < 0.001, and BPA (0.2%); p < 0.001. Program utilization was 6.4% for all methods combined. Inferring a causal relationship between referral method and program utilization was not possible because the study did not use a randomized design. Innovation is needed to generate higher utilization rates for cancer center smoking cessation programs.

scholarly journals Significance of Medicinal Mushrooms in Integrative Oncology: A Narrative Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Jeitler ◽  
Andreas Michalsen ◽  
Daniela Frings ◽  
Marisa Hübner ◽  
Moritz Fischer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Medicinal Mushrooms ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Study Results

Medicinal mushrooms are widely used in East Asia for the treatment of various diseases, especially in complementary cancer care. While there is a growing interest in medicinal mushrooms in Western countries and an increasing number of pre-clinical studies indicate distinct anti-cancer and regenerative properties, little is known about their potential relevance for clinical practice. This review aims to provide an overview of the clinical evidence, significance and potential role of medicinal mushrooms in complementary cancer care. Scientific databases for (randomized) controlled clinical trials evaluating whole spectrum formulations of medicinal mushrooms (mushroom powder and mushroom extracts) in cancer patients during and/or after conventional oncological treatment were searched. Eight studies met our inclusion criteria (eight randomized controlled trials, one controlled clinical trial). The medicinal mushrooms investigated were Agaricus sylvaticus (two trials), Agaricus blazei murill (two trials), Antrodia cinnamomea (one trial), Coriolus versicolor (one trial) and Ganoderma lucidum (three trials); all were compared to placebo and administered orally. A variety of cancer entities, outcomes and treatment durations were observed. Study results suggested beneficial effects of medicinal mushrooms, particularly quality of life and reduction of adverse effects of conventional therapies. Also, positive effects on antitumor activity and immunomodulation were reported, e.g., an increased activity of natural killer cells. In addition, results might suggest a longer survival of cancer patients receiving mushroom preparations, although in most studies this was not significant when compared to placebo. Adverse events of treatment with medicinal mushrooms were poorly reported; gastrointestinal reactions and a decrease in platelet cell count occurred in some cases. The methodological quality of most studies was generally unsatisfying and most results were insufficiently reported in several respects. Medicinal mushrooms may have a therapeutic potential for cancer patients during and after conventional oncological care with regards to quality of life, reduction of adverse effects of conventional care and possibly other surrogate parameters like immune function. There is an urgent need to investigate the safety and possible interactions of medicinal mushrooms. High-quality clinical research is warranted in order to clarify the potential of medicinal mushrooms in cancer therapy.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document