BeatTheOdds

"Smokers who quit after a cancer diagnosis had increased survival, with the greatest benefit for those who initiated smoking cessation treatment within 6 months, a prospective cohort study showed.

Among over 4,500 patients diagnosed with cancer, survival over 15 years increased for those who quit smoking at 3 months (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.67-0.83), 6 months (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.71-0.88), and 9 months (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.76-0.95) of follow-up, reported Paul M. Cinciripini, PhD, of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and colleagues.

The largest survival benefit was seen among patients who began receiving cessation treatment at the center's To***co Research and Treatment Program within 6 months of diagnosis of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and head and neck cancer, they noted in JAMA Oncology.

Specifically, at the 75th survival percentile (the time at which 75% of patients had survived), survival increased from 2.1 years among continuing smokers (non-abstainers) compared with 3.9 years for patients who quit (abstainers)."

Early Smoking Cessation After Cancer Diagnosis Tied to Better Survival Largest survival benefit observed in patients who entered a cessation program within 6 months

Tomorrow, we have our monthly class for alumni - Boost the Odds: From Cancer Survivor to Life Thriver. Please let me know if you need a link to our Zoom meeting

Maybe it's time to go cash only?

Leading a grand rounds workshop on cognitive-behavioral laughter therapy at the invitation of dear friend and colleague Dr. Heather Clague