Tobacco Interventions by Oncology Nurses in Clinical Practice

Fangfang Song^*
*Correspondence: Fangfang Song, Department of Epidemiology, University of Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands, Email:

Introduction

Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for various types of cancers, and it greatly impacts the overall health outcomes of cancer patients. As frontline healthcare providers, oncology nurses play a vital role in supporting patients through their cancer journey, including addressing tobacco use. This article highlights the importance of tobacco interventions by oncology nurses in clinical practice and explores the strategies they employ to help patients quit smoking and improve their overall health. Tobacco use has been unequivocally linked to the development of several cancers, including lung, throat, esophageal, bladder, and many others. Additionally, smoking compromises the effectiveness of cancer treatments, increases the risk of complications, and diminishes overall survival rates. It is essential for oncology nurses to recognize the critical role of tobacco cessation in cancer care and support patients in their efforts to quit smoking. Brief interventions are concise and targeted approaches designed to address tobacco use in a short period.

Description

Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other clinicians, play a critical role in providing brief interventions. These interventions typically involve assessing a patient's tobacco use status, offering advice on the importance of quitting, and providing information about available resources and strategies for quitting. Brief interventions are effective in raising awareness and motivating individuals to consider tobacco cessation. Counselling and behavioural support are fundamental components of tobacco interventions. Healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurses, and counsellors, can engage individuals in counselling sessions that focus on understanding the triggers for tobacco use, developing coping mechanisms, and exploring healthier alternatives. Motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and group therapy sessions are common approaches used to address the psychological and behavioural aspects of tobacco addiction. Counselling and behavioural support provide individuals with the necessary tools to overcome challenges and successfully quit smoking [1,2].

Oncology nurses are well-positioned to assess patient’s tobacco use history and provide education regarding the relationship between smoking and cancer. By conducting comprehensive tobacco assessments, nurses can identify patients who currently smoke or have a history of smoking. They can then initiate open and non-judgmental conversations about the detrimental effects of smoking on cancer treatment outcomes, disease progression, and overall health. Through education, nurses can empower patients with knowledge and motivate them to consider tobacco cessation. Tobacco interventions are most effective when implemented through a multidisciplinary approach that involves collaboration among healthcare professionals, public health agencies, community organizations, and support groups. By working together, these stakeholders can create a supportive environment for individuals attempting to quit smoking. They can implement comprehensive tobacco control policies, provide access to cessation resources, organize smoking cessation programs, and raise awareness about the benefits of quitting. Multidisciplinary approaches reinforce the importance of tobacco interventions and facilitate long-term success in tobacco cessation [3].

Behavioral support is a crucial aspect of tobacco interventions provided by oncology nurses. Nurses can offer counselling sessions to help patients develop coping strategies, understand triggers, and modify behaviours associated with tobacco use. These counselling sessions may include motivational interviewing techniques, cognitive-behavioural approaches, and goal setting to support patients in their quit attempts. Oncology nurses can also provide resources and referrals to specialized smoking cessation programs, both within the healthcare facility and community settings, to enhance the chances of successful quitting. In collaboration with physicians and other healthcare professionals, oncology nurses can facilitate the integration of pharmacological interventions for tobacco cessation. Medications such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), bupropion, and varenicline have been proven effective in assisting patients with tobacco cessation. Nurses can educate patients about these options, discuss their benefits and potential side effects, and help patients work with their healthcare team to determine the most suitable pharmacological interventions based on their individual circumstances [4,5].

Oncology nurses play a vital role in providing on-going support and follow-up for patients during their tobacco cessation journey. Regular check-ins, either in person or through telehealth platforms, allow nurses to assess progress, provide additional counselling, address challenges, and reinforce positive behaviour changes. Nurses can also collaborate with patients' primary care providers and other members of the healthcare team to ensure continuity of care and support throughout the quitting process. In addition to individual patient care, oncology nurses have a broader role to play in advocating for tobacco control policies and promoting tobacco-free environments. They can engage in community outreach programs, participate in smoking cessation campaigns, and support initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco use on a population level. By actively advocating for comprehensive tobacco control measures, nurses contribute to the overall prevention of tobacco-related cancers and create a supportive environment for patients seeking to quit smoking.

Conclusion

Tobacco interventions provided by oncology nurses in clinical practice are vital for improving cancer treatment outcomes and patients' overall health. By addressing tobacco use, nurses can help patients quit smoking, reduce treatment complications, enhance the effectiveness of cancer therapies, and ultimately improve patients' quality of life. Through comprehensive assessments, education, behavioural support, pharmacological interventions, and on-going follow-up, oncology nurses serve as invaluable allies in the fight against tobacco-related cancers.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

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