Smoking Cessation Tool Utilization Among Individuals with and Without Cancer Across Smoking Status

Background: There are many tools to assist with cigarette smoking cessation (e.g., counseling, pharmacotherapy). However, tool use among cancer patients is understudied despite the consequences of continued smoking after a cancer diagnosis.

Objectives: Study aims included describing and comparing cessation tool use among individuals with and without cancer who were currently smoking and who quit to determine if there are different preferences among those with cancer.

Methods: Participants (N = 203) completed an online survey about demographics, cigarette use, and cessation tool use.

Results: Eighty-nine participants reported being diagnosed with cancer (45 quit after diagnosis, 44 currently smoking) and 114 reported not having cancer (57 quit, 57 currently smoking). Individuals with cancer who were smoking used more evidence-based resources than those with cancer who quit (B = 1.86, SE = 0.50, p < 0.0001). Individuals with cancer who were smoking used more total cessation resources than participants without cancer who were smoking (B = 2.00, SE = 0.58, p = 0.001), but there was no difference in use of evidence-based resources between these two groups (p > 0.05). Lastly, individuals with cancer who quit also used more total cessation tools (B = 1.23, SE = 0.41, p = 0.003) and evidence-based tools (B = 1.03, SE = 0.36, p = 0.005) than those without cancer who quit.

Conclusions: Individuals with cancer may be using more resources before successfully quitting. Cancer patients may need additional help to quit smoking, and further research is needed to better understand unique barriers that preclude quitting among this vulnerable population.