Preventing lung cancer by stopping smoking

Much progress has been made in recent years in treating tobacco dependence. The 2000 USPHS Guideline extends the understanding of effective treatments and encourages clinicians to be more diligent in recognizing tobacco users in the practice and more aggressive in treating every tobacco user. The guideline outlines the potential use of the five first-line medications (bupropion, nicotine patches, gum, nasal spray, and inhaler) and the two second-line medications (nortriptyline and clonidine). The use of these medications can be tailored to meet the patients needs and combinations of these medications can be used when appropriate. More intensive treatment, such as residential treatment, may be needed for more addicted smokers.