quitting smoking increases life expectancy after cancer diagnosis

It’s tobacco-free month… And a new study gives an argument to the more than 11,000 people already registered on the site. Researchers from University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centerin the United States, discovered that patients who quit smoking during the first six months following a cancer diagnosis have a longer life expectancy. Their work was published in the journal JAMA Oncology.

A reduction in mortality of 22 to 26% by stopping smoking

“Although smoking cessation is widely encouraged in cancer centers for cancer prevention, many oncologists do not sufficiently take it into account in their routine care.indicates Paul Cinciripini, principal researcher of the study, in a communiqué. Our research highlights the essential role of early smoking cessation (…) for patients undergoing cancer treatment”.

To measure the impact of stopping smoking on life expectancy, researchers followed 4,526 smokers who had been diagnosed with cancer and who were being monitored for smoking cessation. Patient ages ranged from 47 to 62 years, both male and female. Thus, scientists observed a drop in mortality of 22 to 26% in patients who stopped smoking within three months of being diagnosed with cancer.

Life expectancy: 3.9 years among former smokers compared to 2.1 years among cigarette consumers

But the best results in terms of life expectancy were observed in patients who had started smoking cessation within six months of diagnosis and who were still not smoking three months later, i.e. nine months later. They had a life expectancy of 3.9 years, compared to 2.1 years among those who had not stopped smoking.

“It is a call to action for experts, regulators and institutions to make smoking cessation a priority and part of first-line cancer care. says Paul Cinciripini. The earlier smoking cessation treatment is initiated, the greater the impact on the patient’s lifespan.”

For your health, the best thing is to stop smoking before you get sick, as early as possible. For this, this month of November is perfect. By registering on the event website, smokers can benefit, free of charge, from several aids: a consultation with a professional, a kit with a 40-day program and multiple supports via the community of people who have also stopped smoking.