Since lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death nationwide, it’s hard to argue against the importance of quitting smoking. While lung cancer rates have declined in recent years alongside the number of smokers, survival rates for this type of cancer remain low with about 75% of patients passing on within five years of their diagnosis. However, this study has found that quitting smoking can help to lengthen life and through smoking cessation, heighten survival after the development of lung cancer.
The study
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health conducted a study in hopes of learning more about the links between pre-diagnosis smoking behaviors and survival among patients with lung cancer. The department enrolled more than 5,500 patients who had been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, the most common type of lung cancer. These subjects were chosen from the Massachusetts General Hospital record between 1992 and 2022.
Participants were asked to provide details about the history of their smoking behaviors, including the age at which they started smoking combustible cigarettes, how much they smoked, if and when they stopped, and what stop smoking aids were used. The team checked in every 12 to 18 months to monitor patient survival.
What were the results?
Results were published on May 5, 2023, in the Jama Network Open. At enrollment, the majority of patients were former smokers (3,308), followed by current smokers (1,491), and people who had never smoked (795). During this study, 70% of patients died—79% of the current smokers, 67% of the former smokers, and 60% of the never smokers.
Researchers concluded that former smokers had a 26% higher death rate, and current smokers had a 68% higher death rate, compared to the patients who had never smoked. Since the death rate was so much higher among the currently smoking population, stop smoking aids like e-cigs were encouraged to lengthen life and increase survival rates.
What are some other benefits of quitting combustible cigarettes today?
The benefits of early smoking cessation cannot be overstated, particularly for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer. By quitting smoking at the earliest opportunity, individuals can reduce their risk of developing lung cancer and may experience the following:
- Enhanced treatment response
- Minimized treatment complications
- Improved overall lung function
- Promotion of improved long-term health
Do you know anyone that smoked and has been or was diagnosed with lung cancer? Share your story below with our readers.
