Hospital-based tobacco treatment for inpatients with a history of cancer. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Neerukonda, Thanuja; Richter, Kimber P.; Hutcheson, Tresza; Cox, Lisa Sanderson; Ellerbeck, Edward F.; Mussulman, Laura
• Is Part Of: Cancer epidemiology. Volume 78(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Cancer -- Inpatient care -- Intervention -- Tobacco cessation -- Tobacco use; Cancer -- Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Diagnosis -- Periodicals; Carcinogenesis -- Periodicals; 616.994005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2022.102123
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1877-7821

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To describe treatment engagement and outcomes of patients who smoke with cancer and received tobacco cessation treatment during hospitalization. Method: We analyzed treatment engagement and cessation outcomes for hospitalized patients who smoke with a current or former history of cancer receiving treatment from an inpatient tobacco treatment service between July, 2018 to October, 2019. Results: The service treated 407 inpatients. Patients had an overall high level of interest in quitting (7.6, 0–10 scale). One in three accepted cessation pharmacotherapies during hospitalization or at discharge (35%) and/or referral to the state tobacco quitline (37%). Of 189 patients reached at one-month post-discharge, 73 (39%) reported tobacco abstinence (18% intent to treat—ITT—quit rate); 35.5% had used cessation pharmacotherapy and 6.5% had engaged in quitline counseling. Of 151 patients reached at 6 months post-discharge, 29% reported abstinence (11%, ITT). Conclusion: Inpatients with a history of cancer are interested in quitting. Post-discharge quit rates and pharmacotherapy use were high but quitline use was low. Hospitalization is an under-utilized, prime treatment opportunity and teachable moment for people with a history of cancer who continue to use tobacco. Highlights: Tobacco users with a current or former history of cancer admitted to the hospital show interest in quitting. Post-discharge tobacco cessation pharmacotherapy and quit rates were high. Post-discharge quitline utilization was low and efforts are needed to increase post-discharge behavioral support. Hospitalization is a prime treatment opportunity for people with a history of cancer who continue to use tobacco.