Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death because it is usually found too late to remove it surgically.  Other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation are less effective for this disease than other types of cancer. Therefore, prevention offers the best chance to limit this common killer.

Ninety-five percent of lung cancer patients smoke--an activity highly linked to this disease. Therefore, promoting smoking cessation offers one of the best ways to reduce lung cancer deaths. In addition, smoking has been linked to other cancers like colon, lung, throat, stomach and esophagus. Smoking also causes life-threatening conditions like emphysema and heart disease.

Nicotine addiction is a frustrating problem for patients who want to quit and for the physicians who care for those patients. Some doctors become pessimistic when patients continue their habit even after a life-threatening disease develops. It is a sobering statistic that 50% of current smokers will die from this habit if they do not quit.

The good news is that about half of all patients will eventually quit although it may take many attempts. Doctors are now more persistent when encouraging patients.  Medications and behavior therapy can help increase quit rates.

Medications and Behavior Therapy Can Help Increase Quit Rates
Recently, devices to deliver nicotine have brought about the greatest surge in smoking cessation since the Surgeon General's report. The nicotine patch is most responsible because it is available without a prescription. Nicotine gum is used for times of craving along with the patch. Earlier concerns about nicotine overdose or adverse cardiovascular problems caused by high nicotine exposure do not seem to be supported by studies of patients combining these delivery mechanisms in moderate levels.  Smoking while wearing the patch is not recommended, especially in those with possible heart disease. Other devices available by prescription are the nicotine nasal spray and nicotine inhalers. These are effective but the long-term effects are being studied.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin™/Zyban™) has been shown to increase the ability for smokers to quit, particularly if combined with nicotine replacement (i.e. the patch). This drug requires a prescription and has some side effects; however, the side effects are usually minimal. This drug is usually started about a week before the planned quit date. It is usually covered by insurance if you take a smoking cessation class. Some insurance companies are offering reimbursement if you call the New York State Smoker’s Quitline instead of taking a class. Talk to your doctor about getting a prescription.  Additional resources for tobacco control are available if you click here.