Quitting smoking after a breast cancer diagnosis can improve treatment and survival outcomes
by Rachael Joyner, DNP, FNP-BC, APRN, Duke Smoking Cessation Program
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the US. One in 8 women will be diagnosed during their lifetime, and 2,790 new invasive breast cancer cases will be diagnosed in men this year. While the death rate from breast cancer has fallen over the last decade, cases have been rising steadily over that time, according to new data released this month by the American Cancer Society. Breast cancer cases in women under 50 have seen the largest increase.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time for highlighting the importance of prevention and treatment of this common cancer that impacts the lives of many women. An important and often overlooked risk modifier after a breast cancer diagnosis is smoking cessation. The research is clear— helping people quit smoking after a breast cancer diagnosis has a powerful positive impact on their treatment outcomes.
Here are 4 research-backed reasons to quit smoking after a breast cancer diagnosis.
Improved surgical outcomes. Smoking impairs wound healing, causing poor surgical outcomes, and increases the risk of complications post-operatively among patients having breast reconstruction surgeries.
Better response to treatment. Due to its influence on the tumor microenvironment, smoking affects the body’s response to chemotherapy. Patients who quit smoking also experience fewer side effects during and after their cancer treatment.
Decreased risk of mortality. Patients who quit smoking after a breast cancer diagnosis had a 33% decrease in long-term breast cancer mortality, as well as a decreased risk of death from respiratory cancer and heart disease. Continued smoking negatively influences overall survival after diagnosis.
Less breast cancer recurrence and fewer secondary cancers. Smoking is associated with a higher rate of breast cancer recurrence after partial mastectomy and radiation. Quitting smoking after a breast cancer diagnosis decreases the risk of developing a secondary cancer, such as lung cancer.
Learn more about providing evidence-based tobacco treatment to cancer patients. Check out one of our upcoming nationally accredited trainings at www.dukeunctts.com.
Rachael Joyner, DNP, FNP-BC, APRN, is a family nurse practitioner with the Duke Smoking Cessation Program. She holds a National Certificate in Tobacco Treatment Practice and received her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Florida. She loves working collaboratively with patients to help them become tobacco free.
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