Tools- of Changes

Virtual, Sustained Smoking Cessation Program for Cancer Patients Doubles Quitting Rate (RCT)

Among recently diagnosed cancer patients, sustained remotely delivered telehealth counseling and free nicotine replacement therapy were well utilized and nearly doubled six-month quit rates compared with enhanced usual care.

Persistent smoking among patients diagnosed with cancer is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, yet tobacco treatment has not been integrated into community oncology settings. From August 2019 to December 2022, 306 English- and Spanish-speaking patients were randomly assigned from 37 NCI Community Oncology Research Program community sites. Among recently diagnosed patients, sustained remotely delivered telehealth counseling and free NRT were well utilized and nearly doubled 6-month quit rates compared with EUC. Findings support the benefit of adopting sustained tobacco treatment within community oncology care settings nationwide.