Stopping smoking for patients undergoing investigations for suspected lung cancer

Introduction

We are inviting patients to undertake some pre-treatment actions whilst undergoing investigations for lung cancer. The medical team will assess you as part of your appointment and with the support and advice of your Clinical Nurse Specialist these actions will help you to improve your health and fitness levels prior to any treatment that you may require.

For more information please contact:

• Lung Cancer Specialist Nurses
• Addenbrooke’s Team: 01223 217541
• Papworth Team: 01223 638322
• Other Team: _____________________________

The benefits of stopping smoking

There are real benefits to be had from stopping smoking. It is never too late to stop, and this is the single greatest thing you can do for your health now and in the future.

Once you stop smoking carbon monoxide is quickly eliminated from the body meaning you have an extra oxygen supply which is greatly beneficial to your heart, lungs and general health. Cancer treatments are safer, and more likely to work in those who have stopped smoking. In the longer term, you will reduce your chances of your cancer returning.

These benefits are on top of the improvements you could also expect to see in your finances. For example, a person who smokes 20 cigarettes a day can save over £5000 a year!

Quitting is not easy, and it may take you several attempts to stop all together but that’s ok, just keep trying, you haven’t failed, it’s simply a small step back and you can always move forwards again.

Top tips

Use a Stop Smoking Service for help and advice – you are three times more likely to stop if you use a combination of Stop Smoking treatment and specialist help. (See useful links section)

You could try using a Stop Smoking App to monitor progress and help motivate you along the way.

Try changing your routines, identify triggers and put coping strategies in place prior to your quit date.

Buddy up with someone else wishing to stop smoking.

If you are having withdrawal symptoms from nicotine or thinking about having a cigarette, distractions such as taking a walk (or a change of scenery), talking to someone or even just keeping busy could all help.

Stop smoking medications

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

This works by giving your body the nicotine it craves without the 4000 toxic chemicals you get in cigarettes such as carbon monoxide and cyanide. There are several types of NRT available including lozenges, mouth sprays etc. and all of these are available in different dosages to support the need of the individual.

E-Cigarettes

Although NRT is the recommended option of choice, Public Health England estimate that E-Cigarettes are 95% less harmful than continuing to smoke.

It is imperative to seek further support to ensure you are getting the right help for you.

Local Smoking Cessation Programmes

• NHS Quit Smoking Website (opens in a new tab)
• Cambridge and Peterborough: Health You. Telephone: 0333 005 0093.
  Healthy You - Stop Smoking Website (opens in a new tab)
• Essex: Essex Wellbeing Service. Telephone: 0300 303 9988.
  Essex Wellbeing - Stop Smoking Website (opens in a new tab)
• Suffolk: Feel Good Suffolk. Telephone: 0345 603 4060.
  Feel Good Suffolk - Stop Smoking website (opens in a new tab)
• Norfolk: Smokefree Norfolk. Telephone: 0800 085 4113.
  Smoke free Norfolk website (opens in a new tab)
• Hertfordshire: Stop Smoking Service. Telephone: 0800 389 3998.
  Hertfordshire: Stop Smoking Service Website (search stop smoking) (opens in a new tab)

If you live in none of the above areas, please check what is your local smoking cessation services on:

NHS - Stop Smoking Support Websites (opens in a new tab)

With thanks to the Lung Cancer Nurse Specialists, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust Department © June 2020. All rights reserved.

Medication

Bring all of your medicines (including inhalers, injections, creams, eye drops or patches) and a current repeat prescription from your GP.

Please tell the ward staff about all of the medicines you use. During your stay If you wish to take your medication yourself (self-medicate) please speak with your nurse. Pharmacists visit the wards regularly and can help with any medicine queries.

MyChart

We would encourage you to sign up for MyChart. This is the electronic patient portal at Cambridge University Hospitals that enables patients to securely access parts of their health record held within the hospital’s electronic patient record system (Epic). It is available via your home computer or mobile device.

More information is available on our website: the MyChart section on our website.

Privacy and dignity

Same sex bays and bathrooms are offered in all wards except critical care and theatre recovery areas where the use of high-tech equipment and/or specialist one to one care is required.