Author of

• 12848

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  P3.23 - Poster Session 3 - Tobacco Control, Prevention and Chemoprevention (ID 164)

  • Event: WCLC 2013
  • Type: Poster Session
  • Track: Prevention & Epidemiology
  • Presentations: 1
  • Moderators:
  • Coordinates: 10/30/2013, 09:30 - 16:30, Exhibit Hall, Ground Level

  • 12852

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    P3.23-004 - Thoracic oncology providers and addressing tobacco use in cancer patients: a report from an IASLC survey. (ID 2047)

    09:30 - 09:30  |  Author(s): K..M. Cummings
    • Abstract

    Background
    Background: Tobacco use increases toxicity, recurrence, second primary cancers, and mortality in cancer patients. However, oncologists do not routinely provide assistance with tobacco cessation and little is known about potential barriers that could be addressed to improve cessation practices among oncologists.

    Methods
    Methods: An online survey was sent to IASLC members querying demographics, tobacco assessment and cessation practices, perceptions of tobacco use by cancer patients, and barriers to tobacco cessation intervention. Results are reported and multivariate analyses were performed to identify likely barriers to tobacco assessment and cessation.

    Results
    Results: A total of 1,507 IASLC members responded to the survey representing a 40.5% response rate. Most respondents reported that tobacco use affected cancer outcome (92%) and that tobacco cessation should be a standard part of cancer care (90%). However, whereas 90% indicated that they regularly asked about tobacco use, only about 40% regularly discussed medications or provided cessation assistance. A lower likelihood of assessing tobacco use was associated with the following demographic variables: a) location outside of the United States (USA), b) practice non-academic centers, c) fewer years of service as a medical provider, d) less time spent on clinical activities, or e) current smoking. Variables associated with a decreased likelihood of giving advice to stop smoking were a) location outside of the USA and b) less time spent in clinic. A lower likelihood of providing cessation assistance was associated with providers outside of the USA. After adjustment for demographic variables, variables associated with increased likelihood of assessing tobacco use were a) providers who felt cessation affected outcome and b) providers who reported more training on cessation is needed. An increased likelihood to advise patients to stop smoking was observed in respondents who reported that additional cessation training is needed whereas a lack of time was reported as a variable that decreased likelihood to provide patient advice. Variables associated with a decreased likelihood to provide tobacco cessation assistance included: a) lack of time, b) lack of training, c) lack of available resources, and d) perception that tobacco cessation was a waste of time. However, variables associated with an increased likelihood to discuss medications or provide cessation assistance included respondents who a) reported having had adequate training in tobacco cessation or b) who reported that additional training is needed for clinicians.

    Conclusion
    Conclusions: Most IASLC member oncologists who responded to the survey asked about tobacco use, but few routinely provided tobacco cessation assistance to their patients. Cancer patients need increased access to tobacco cessation support. Differences in the measurements of perceived barriers suggest that efforts are needed to increase cessation resources and clinician education in order to improve tobacco cessation support for cancer patients.