Smoking can carry a social stigma that may deter you from seeking help to quit. We’ve been fortunate to help thousands of individuals overcome their smoking addiction over the years through compassionate, non-judgmental care. We understand that smoking may provide comfort. We know that you may feel trapped, embarrassed, frustrated, or just helpless over your addiction. And if you’re facing a cancer diagnosis, you may not know where to turn for help.
Our team at the Abramson Cancer Center Tobacco Use Treatment Program consists of health care professionals from several areas of medicine, all of whom are highly experienced leaders in the field of smoking cessation. Along with our expertise in the treatment of tobacco use, we share a common philosophy that smokers deserve treatment that is supportive and compassionate, without guilt or pressure. We understand how difficult it is to stop smoking and we will never make you feel ashamed.
At the Abramson Cancer Center Tobacco Use Treatment Program, we get to know your specific needs as they relate to health, family, work and other aspects of your life. We believe that smokers deserve to quit comfortably, so we recommend approved medications to help you stay nicotine-free. Our goal is to help you have a better quality of life and the best chance for recovery.
Why is Smoking Hard to Quit?
It is never too late to quit smoking. Smoking is an addiction that is very difficult to stop especially if you’ve been smoking for years. Nicotine is the primary addictive ingredient that tricks your brain into wanting and needing it. But with the right type of treatment and support, quitting smoking is possible.
Nicotine addiction is simultaneously one of the most common, most powerful, and deadliest, yet least well-understood addictions in our society. Nicotine affects the part of the brain where survival instincts are born. It takes those normal instincts and “hijacks” them so that they get turned inside-out. The more a person wants to change, the more their instincts tell them that change is bad. The net effect is that people spend a lifetime telling themselves, “I want to quit…soon.” But sometimes soon doesn’t come soon enough.
Facing a Cancer Diagnosis
If you are a smoker and have been diagnosed with cancer, the time has come to try and quit. Depending on what type of cancer you are facing, you may receive a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery as treatment options—all of which can wipe your energy out.
You’ll want to be as healthy as possible when facing cancer treatment. In addition to resting and eating well, quitting smoking is highly encouraged and recommended. The benefits of quitting smoking are felt almost immediately. When you quit smoking, you are in a better position to tolerate treatment side effects and strengthen your immune system so you can put up a good fight.
Call Us
Call us if we can help you or someone you know, even if you don’t feel ready to quit. We’re happy to answer your questions and discuss your options. 1-888-PENN-STOP