© 2005-2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). All rights reserved worldwide.
There are many physical and psychological benefits to stopping tobacco use after a cancer diagnosis, including:
- Longer survival
- A better chance of successful treatment
- Fewer and less serious side effects from all types of cancer treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy
- Faster recovery from treatment
- Decreased risk of secondary cancers
- Lower risk of infection
- Easier breathing
- More energy
- Better quality of life
On the other hand, continuing to use tobacco has the following risks:
- Shorter survival
- Less of a chance of successful, effective treatment
- More complications from surgery, such as side effects involving the heart and lungs, and a slower recovery
- More treatment-related side effects from chemotherapy, such as infection, fatigue, heart and lung problems, and weight loss
- Additional side effects from radiation therapy, including dry mouth, mouth sores, loss of taste, and problems with your bones and soft tissues
- Increased chance of recurrence (when the cancer comes back after treatment)
- Increased risk of other serious illnesses, such as heart and lung diseases or a second cancer
More Information
Tobacco Use During Cancer Treatment
Health Risks of Waterpipes, Smokeless Tobacco, and E-cigarettes
ASCO Expert Corner: Stopping Tobacco Use After a Cancer Diagnosis