Effect of Cancer Diagnosis on Smoking Behavior

Background: Smoking is universally recognized as the foremost preventable cause of cancer. And smoking behavior causes many negative effects in cancer patients. Based on the mounting evidence that smoking affects cancer treatment outcomes and survival, we studied whether the cancer diagnosis affects smoking behavior. Methods: During August 2007, 279 patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of cancer were surveyed by a questionnaire and a follow up survey was performed at 3 months and 7 months afterwards. Follow up survey was performed via telephone and finally 246 patients were enrolled. Questions in the survey included smoking history, nicotine dependence, stage of change and the reason for quit smoking or keep smoking. In the follow up survey at 7 month, we asked whether they needed smoking cessation interventions. Results: At the end of the study, the subjects who kept smoking were 27 patients, but the degree of nicotine dependence was decreased compared to the preceding 2 surveys and contemplation as well as preparation stage turned out to be the most prevalent stage of change. The main reasons to keep smoking were behavioral habits and stress. Regardless of their smoking history, almost all cancer patients wanted smoking cessation interventions. Conclusion: Smoking is a critical variable that affects cancer treatment and outcome. We surely found there is a smoking subgroup after cancer diagnosis and we should advise them to quit smoking.