Abstract
A large proportion of the patients who undergo radiotherapy are current or previous smokers. It is essential that oncological caregivers pay attention to smoking. The continuation of smoking during radiotherapy leads to poorer oncological outcomes: there is worse overall survival, worse cancer-specific survival and there is an increased chance of severe acute and late toxicity of the radiotherapy. In addition, smoking decreases quality of life, increases the risk of morbidity and increases healthcare costs. Smoking cessation reduces the risk of side effects and death, sometimes to the level of non-smokers.
After an oncological diagnosis, a smoker is more likely to quit successfully. This chance is even higher after a motivational talk with an oncological caregiver, which will not cost much time. Due to the frequent treatment visits, radiotherapy is the ideal opportunity to set up the initial phase of smoking cessation counseling before further counseling is transferred to the general practitioner.
After an oncological diagnosis, a smoker is more likely to quit successfully. This chance is even higher after a motivational talk with an oncological caregiver, which will not cost much time. Due to the frequent treatment visits, radiotherapy is the ideal opportunity to set up the initial phase of smoking cessation counseling before further counseling is transferred to the general practitioner.
Translated title of the contribution | The negative effects of smoking on oncological outcomes in radiotherapy |
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Original language | Dutch |
Pages (from-to) | 51 |
Number of pages | 55 |
Journal | Nederlands tijdschrift voor oncologie |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 2 |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2021 |