Tobacco Treatment Program
Patients already diagnosed with cancer can still benefit greatly from a reduction in their tobacco use. Studies suggest that tobacco use before, during and after treatment could affect cell growth, cell death and tumor density, hindering the effectiveness of cancer treatment. At MD Anderson, we are committed to providing patients with the best cancer care and improving the quality of life of our patients.
MD Anderson’s Tobacco Treatment Program was developed by the Department of Behavioral Science to offer patients an alternative to tobacco use. Funded by State of Texas Tobacco Settlement Funds, the Tobacco Treatment Program offers tobacco-cessation services, including in-person behavioral counseling and several tobacco-cessation medication treatments, at no cost to MD Anderson cancer patients who are current tobacco users (e.g., cigarettes, smokeless tobacco) or recent quitters (those who quit within the past
12 months).
Program goals include:
- Evaluating and treating eligible MD Anderson Cancer Center patients who are current tobacco users or recent quitters at no cost to the patient
- Providing scientifically-validated therapeutic interventions based on the Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence Clinical Practice Guideline set forth by the Public Health Service of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Providing these interventions proactively, identifying tobacco users at registration and offering treatment as part of the continuum of care
- Integrating tobacco cessation treatment seamlessly with the patient’s cancer treatment and working with the attending physician and staff to best serve the needs of the patient
Learn more about the benefits cancer patients experience from tobacco cessation during and after treatment.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions are available.
Additional Resources
Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco
The Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco sponsors scientific meetings and publications to foster the exchange of information on nicotine and tobacco, encourage scientific research on public health efforts for the prevention and treatment of tobacco use and provide a means by which legislative, governmental and other public agencies can obtain expert advice and consultation on nicotine and tobacco.
National Institute on Drug Abuse
This Web site contains reports, fact sheets and recommended readings regarding smoking and nicotine and the latest research findings on cigarettes and other nicotine products.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society offers a wealth of information to patients, family, friends, survivors and professionals about cancer.
Downloads
You can access print materials on the Tobacco Treatment Program. To learn more about frequently asked questions, download a copy of the Tobacco Treatment Program FAQ fact sheet