Smoking cessation

Studies have found that smokers who quit are more likely to recover from cancer than are patients who continue to smoke.

If you continue to smoke during cancer treatment, you may not respond to treatment as well as patients who do not smoke. Wounds from surgery heal more slowly in patients who smoke, and there is also a higher risk of developing a second cancer if you continue smoking, whether you have a cancer that is smoking-related or not smoking-related.

If you quit smoking, you can reduce your risk factors significantly.

The Spectrum Health Cancer Center smoking cessation program was specially developed for patients who are currently or recently quit smoking, have a cancer diagnosis and are being treated at Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion.

Patients meet one-on-one with a nurse practitioner who is a certified tobacco treatment specialist.

Your initial appointment will focus on mutual goal setting, motivational interviewing, education and developing an individualized treatment plan. There are follow up visits to discuss your progress, work through challenges and celebrate successes. We also provide ongoing telephone monitoring for up to one year for ongoing encouragement or to discuss changes in your treatment plan if needed.

Most insurance providers cover this service but it is best to contact your insurance company directly to confirm coverage.