New study’s message: Quit smoking now to improve chances of surviving a diagnosis of lung cancer

New research from a large international study affirms the motto, “It’s never too late to quit smoking.” Now, more than ever, is the time to stop “lighting up” and instead focus on becoming smoke free.

The research based on data from 17 studies with more than 35,000 patients registered in the International Lung Cancer Consortium database, found that smokers who had quit less than two years before a lung cancer diagnosis had a 12 percent reduced risk of death from all causes compared with current smokers. Of these patients, 47.5 percent were current smokers, 30 percent were former smokers, and 22.5 percent had never smoked at the time of diagnosis.

The findings from this study align with previous studies which have also found that smokers who quit can reduce their risk of developing lung cancer by 30 to 50 percent after 10 years compared to individuals who continue to smoke. The news from this latest research adds strength to helping support those who currently still smoke to strongly consider kicking the habit.

Key findings

While much is known about how smoking cessation affects the risk of developing lung cancer, there has been uncertainty on how soon after smoking cessation survival benefits start to accrue after a lifetime of smoking.

What the research found was that among the former smokers, those who had quit less than 2 years before, between 2 and 5 years before, and more than 5 years before a lung cancer diagnosis, had respectively a 12%, 16%, and 20% reduced risk of death from all causes when compared to smokers.

Probably the most encouraging finding had to do with long-term smokers. Many long-term smokers often believe there is no point in quitting, believing it’s too late and the damage has already been done. However, this study found a striking revelation: The smokers who benefitted the most by quitting, were heavy smokers defined as those who smoke 30 or more packs (20 cigarettes per pack) a year. Long-term smokers who quit less than 2 years, between 2 and 5 years, and more than 5 years before their lung cancer diagnosis had 14%, 17%, and 22% respectively of reduced risk of death from all causes, compared to current smokers. The message from this finding is the benefits of quitting cannot be overstated.

Quitting for good

So, what is the secret to snuffing out your last cigarette for good?  What strategies have other former smokers done to light up for the last time and to never regret it? 

Here are also some tried-and-true methods to consider:

·      Write down why you want to quit

Sometimes putting it in writing, listing the reasons you want to quit can be powerful.  Whether it’s to improve health, lower risk of lung cancer, stop exposing others to secondhand smoke, or to set a good example for children or grandchildren, to save money or to smell good once again, can all be reminders the next time the urge to smoke arrives. 

·      Make a plan to quit

Like with anything in life, it’s best to make plans.  The most successful former smokers have set a date of when they will quit smoking and then do so.  There are several good online tools that can get you on the path to becoming a former smoker that have proven valuable in providing support and coping strategies – an excellent website is https://smokefree.gov/build-your-quit-plan guiding you through 7 easy steps personalizing your quit plan.   

·      Seek help from your doctor

Doctors will be aware of various treatments that can lessen cravings which include nicotine replacement therapies such as wearing a skin patch, taking lozenges, chewing gum, or using inhalers or nasal sprays.  Doctors are more than happy to get their patients healthy and quitting smoking is at the top of their list to make this happen.

·      Let your family and friends know you want to quit

Tell family, friends, and coworkers of plans to quit.  They can be good support and encouraging when times get tough.

Avoid smoking triggers

Most smokers easily know what triggers them to light up.  Avoiding places and situations that trigger the urge is best. Hang around nonsmokers, avoid designated smoking areas outside buildings, keep busy when bored, create new routines not associated with smoking, drink water or tea instead of coffee or alcohol and practice saying, “No thanks, I don’t smoke.”

·      Manage stress

The urge to smoke often goes hand-in-hand in times of stress and anxiety.  Use the following strategies for managing stress:

·      Prioritize tasks

·      Take breaks when you need to

·      Practice relaxation exercises, deep breathing or meditation

·      Listen to favorite music

·      Get regular exercise

·      Find a creative outlet such as art, music, crafts, or dance 

·      See yourself as a nonsmoker

Picture yourself succeeding.  Choosing whether to smoke or not smoke will still occur until you decide that you don’t smoke anymore and won’t smoke anymore. Once you become a nonsmoker, then smoking isn’t a choice any longer.  Change the way you thing about it. 

·      Celebrate success

Each day without a cigarette is a day to celebrate. Small successes eventually turn into big successes like avoiding a diagnosis of lung cancer.

Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy.  Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.