The Kellogg Cancer Center strives to optimize the comprehensive care—from diagnosis to treatment—we provide to our patients. Prevention of disease remains the best defense against developing a variety of cancers.
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of premature death in the United States and causes approximately 480,000 deaths each year. Tobacco use has been linked to lung, head and neck, pancreatic, bladder, kidney, stomach, uterine and cervical cancers.
Many patients feel that once they are diagnosed with cancer that it is “too late” to stop smoking. Yet tobacco cessation has been shown to significantly improve outcomes in patients with cancer. Quitting smoking after a cancer diagnosis is associated with increased survival, better response to treatment, fewer treatment side effects and a lower chance for cancer recurrence.
NorthShore’s Tobacco Cessation Program is offered through the Kellogg Cancer Center. Our tobacco treatment team consults with patients to create a comprehensive plan to help them quit smoking. Strategies may include counseling on smoking cessation strategies as well as prescription or over-the-counter medication treatment.
A cancer diagnosis offers an opportunity to stop smoking and improve outcomes. The combination of support from trained professionals and the use of medications significantly increase the likelihood of quitting successfully.
If you are interested in the program, please ask your physician for a Tobacco Cessation Counseling Referral or call 847.570.2112 with any questions or for more information.