Stopping Smoking

Reasons to Stop Smoking

Stopping smoking is one of the most beneficial decisions you can make for your health, both for the general population and for people living with cancer.

Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of cancer and is linked to at least 16 different types of cancer, including cancers of the lung, head and neck, oesophagus, bladder, pancreas, kidney, liver and cervix.

For people diagnosed with cancer, stopping smoking after diagnosis can provide significant benefits:

Improve the effectiveness of some cancer treatments.
Reduce the risk of surgical complications and wound-healing problems.
Reduce some side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Improve lung and cardiovascular function.
Reduce the risk of developing a second tobacco-related cancer.
Improve quality of life and overall survival.

In addition to the health benefits, stopping smoking can also provide:

Financial benefits.
Improved sense of taste and smell.
Reduced bad breath.
Reduced exposure of family members and household contacts to second-hand smoke.

Preparing to Stop Smoking

Stopping smoking can be challenging, particularly during stressful periods such as a cancer diagnosis. However, effective treatments and strategies are available and can significantly increase the likelihood of success.

Before you quit, it may be helpful to:

Reflect on your personal reasons for stopping smoking.
Identify situations that trigger the urge to smoke.
Learn about the support services available.
Seek support from family members, friends and healthcare professionals.

Practical Steps to Get Started

Set a quit date.
Remove cigarettes, ashtrays, lighters and other smoking-related items.
Tell family members and friends about your decision.
Plan how you will cope with cravings and difficult situations.
Keep healthy alternatives available, such as water, fruit or sugar-free chewing gum.
Stay occupied with activities that you enjoy.

Treatments That Can Help

Current clinical guidelines recommend combining behavioural support with medication whenever appropriate and when there are no contraindications.

Treatment options may include:

Nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, lozenges, inhalators or sprays).
Varenicline.
Bupropion.

These treatments can reduce withdrawal symptoms and increase the likelihood of successfully quitting smoking for good. They should be used under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional.

What Happens When You Stop Smoking?

Nicotine dependence can cause withdrawal symptoms during the first few weeks after quitting, including:

Irritability.
Anxiety.
Nervousness.
Difficulty concentrating.
Sleep disturbances.
A temporary increase in appetite.
Strong cravings to smoke.

These symptoms are temporary and usually improve gradually over the following days and weeks.

Staying Smoke-Free

Quitting smoking is an ongoing process. Many people require several attempts before they successfully stop smoking permanently.

Strategies that may help include:

Spending time with people who support your decision not to smoke.
Avoiding situations associated with smoking during the first few weeks.
Taking part in regular physical activity.
Using relaxation or stress-management techniques.
Reminding yourself regularly of the reasons why you decided to quit.
Keeping a record of your progress.
Rewarding yourself for reaching milestones.

If you experience a relapse, do not view it as a failure. Relapse is a common part of the quitting process and can provide valuable insight to help you succeed in future attempts with additional support and strategies.

Benefits of Stopping Smoking

The benefits begin within hours of your last cigarette and continue to accumulate over time:

Heart rate and blood pressure decrease.
Circulation and lung function improve.
Coughing and breathlessness are reduced.
The risk of cardiovascular disease gradually decreases.
The risk of developing multiple types of cancer is reduced.
Overall health and life expectancy improve.