New Funding Will Enhance Program That Helps Ontario Cancer Patients Quit Smoking

Cancer Care Ontario has been awarded a new grant to enhance the implementation of its Smoking Cessation Program within 14 Regional Cancer Programs across the province.

The funding, provided by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, and announced during National Non-Smoking Week, will ensure that cancer patients across Ontario continue to have access to the high-quality support they need to quit smoking.

“Evidence shows that providing smoking cessation support to cancer patients and their families or caregivers can improve the effectiveness of treatment, improve recovery and reduce the risk of complications and death,” said Alice Peter, Director, Population Health and Prevention, Cancer Care Ontario. “This grant will help refine the program’s implementation model and improve the effectiveness and sustainability, starting with an assessment of the current state of the initiative.”

The Smoking Cessation Program was launched in 2013. Using a framework developed in partnership with experts in smoking cessation, all 14 of Cancer Care Ontario’s Regional Cancer Programs currently screen new cancer patients for tobacco use, advise people who smoke on the benefits of quitting and refer them to cessation services for support.

“Many cancer patients are encouraged to learn that quitting smoking could improve their health outcomes,” added Peter. “It’s encouraging to hear that the program is helping patients realize the positive impact tobacco cessation can have on their health, especially while undergoing cancer treatment.”

The grant will be used to promote evidence-based practices by developing an implementation guide and exploring partnerships with existing smoking cessation programs. The creation of a communications and knowledge exchange strategy will help establish smoking cessation as a key component of quality cancer care across the province. A person-centred approach to referrals and follow-up will also be a priority in order to determine the best way to support cancer patients in quitting smoking.

“It’s never too late to quit,” said Dr. Heather Bryant, Vice-President of Cancer Control at the Partnership. “Cancer patients can be highly motivated to give up smoking, but they need support. This funding will help Cancer Care Ontario implement its existing Smoking Cessation Program more consistently across its 14 Regional Cancer Programs.”

The funding provided by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer totals $185,000 and will run until March 2017.