What does this research mean for the field?

Lung cancer patients report low effectiveness of current smoking cessation resources, identifying withdrawal and reliance on smoking for stress relief as the primary barriers to quitting. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To explore factors influencing smoking cessation among lung cancer patients and the gap between evidence and patient perspectives.

April 5, 2026

Abstract 3686: Insights into smoking cessation support for lung cancer patients: A multi-site survey of patient perspectives post-diagnosis

Key Result

Lung cancer patients reported low effectiveness of current smoking cessation resources (7.5%), identifying withdrawal (52.5%) and stress relief (42.5%) as the primary barriers to quitting.

Key Points

To explore factors influencing smoking cessation among lung cancer patients and the gap between evidence and patient perspectives.
Conducted a cross-sectional survey at two clinical oncology sites.
Assessed demographics, smoking history, benefits, barriers, and preferences for cessation support.
Utilized 5-point Likert scales for survey items and managed data using REDCap.
Only 7.5% of patients rated cessation resources as effective.
55% felt comfortable discussing smoking cessation but many wanted more frequent discussions.
Top barriers included withdrawal symptoms and smoking for stress relief, while major motivators were preventing diseases and improving treatment outcomes.

Structured PICO

Population

40 lung cancer patients who smoke post-diagnosis, mean age 68.1, 55.0% female, recruited at two community oncology sites in Connecticut.

Intervention

Cross-sectional survey assessing perceived benefits, barriers, and views on smoking cessation support

Outcome

Perceived benefits, barriers, and views on cessation supportpatient reported

Lung cancer patients who smoke post-diagnosis report low perceived effectiveness of current cessation resources and face significant internal barriers like withdrawal and stress, highlighting the need for proactive, stigma-aware support.

Main Result

Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%

Abstract

Abstract Background: Although extensive research demonstrates that quitting smoking after a cancer diagnosis—regardless of stage—improves treatment outcomes and quality of life, 30% of patients continue smoking. This study explored differences between lung cancer patients who smoke post-diagnosis and the general smoker population and examined the gap between evidence and patient perspectives by surveying perceived benefits, barriers, and views on cessation support across two community oncology sites in Connecticut. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey at two clinical sites, recruiting participants during routine visits. The survey assessed demographics, smoking history, perceived benefits and barriers, prior cessation resource effectiveness, comfort and priorities for clinician discussion, concerns about stigma or financial influence, and knowledge and confidence. Most items used 5-point Likert scales and were summarized descriptively. Items were dichotomized (1-3 vs. 4-5) per prespecified rules; items where “1” indicated highest importance/challenge were inverted for consistency. Data was managed in REDCap. Results: Sample: N=40; age 68.1±6.9; 55.0% female; 40.4±11.6 years smoking; 13.3±8.7 cigarettes/day; 27.9±22.4 pack-years. Only 7.5% rated current cessation resources as effective. While 55% felt comfortable discussing cessation, 35% wanted more frequent discussions, and 32.5% wanted oncology teams to address cessation even without explicit survival framing. Concerns included fear that disclosure could affect treatment/resources (37.5%) and finances (27.5%). Knowledge and confidence were moderate (67.5% felt informed and confident). Top internal barriers were withdrawal (52.5%) and reliance on smoking for stress relief (42.5%); external barriers were less common (17.5% lacked knowledge of resources; 17.5% felt rushed/unsupported). Leading motivators: preventing other smoking-related diseases (80%), improving cancer treatment effectiveness (75%), and enhancing daily comfort (62.5%). Additional drivers included a sense of control (40%) and being a role model (42.5%). Percentages reflect item-level endorsement (agree/strongly agree); totals do not sum to 100% because multiple selections were allowed. Conclusions: Patients reported reasonable knowledge and confidence but low perceived effectiveness of current resources, with many desiring more frequent, nonjudgmental discussions. Stigma and fear of negative consequences may suppress disclosure, limiting support. Internal barriers—especially withdrawal and stress coping—predominated. Future implementation priorities include routine, stigma-aware oncology conversations emphasizing ongoing benefits of quitting; proactive withdrawal management with evidence-based pharmacotherapy; and clear messaging to reduce disclosure fears and foster engagement. Citation Format: Lyric R. Li, Jo-Ann Persson, Aahna Shah, Krishna S. Gunturu. Insights into smoking cessation support for lung cancer patients: A multi-site survey of patient perspectives post-diagnosis abstract. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 3686.

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