What is the Tobacco Treatment Program?

A smoking cessation program that offers assistance to anyone using tobacco products and those who have used tobacco within the past year. If you join this program, you will get counseling along with the use of pharmacotherapy (nicotine replacement therapy and/or other medications).

If you would like to schedule an appointment with the Tobacco Treatment Program, please call 215-214-1618 or fill out the online form

How does smoking affect cancer and its treatment?

It's never too late to quit smoking.

Effects of smoking on cancer treatment:

• Poor wound healing after surgery
• More side effects from chemotherapy
• Fewer cancer cells killed by radiation

Quitting smoking can:

• Improve treatment results
• Lower side effects and problems from treatment
• Lower risk of more cancers
• Improve quality of life
• Lengthen your life

What medications do you recommend?

Medications help reduce cravings and withdrawal. When you meet with your nurse, you can discuss which treatment is best for you.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)

• The patch, gum and lozenge
• You shoud not smoke while using NRT

Other Medications (require a prescription)

• Chantix (Varenicline)
• Zyban (Bupropion)

What is the counseling like?

Counseling can help you control the smoking habit. You will decide if you want to cut back or quit. You and your counselor will talk about issues like:

• Planning to quit
• Dealing with cravings and withdrawal
• Getting social support
• Coping with stress
• Recovering from lapses
• Staying tobacco free

How much does it cost?

Your insurance may be billed for:

• appointments with the nurse
• medicines

You may need to pay for some of these costs.

Where can I learn more about quitting?

1. State Quit Line: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
2. National Cancer Institute Quit Line: 1-877-44U-QUIT (1-877-448-7848)
3. Online Resources
   • CDC.gov/quit
   • smokefree.gov
   • FoxChase.org/REConline
4. Free texting program: SmokefreeTXT, to sign up text FOX to 47848
5. Fox Chase Cancer Center Fact Sheet: Support for Quitting Smoking During Cancer Treatment [PDF]

Who can I contact?

If you have a question about your treatment or are having side effects from your tobacco treatment, contact your nurse practitioner.

Donna Edmondson, MSN, CRNP, OCN
215-728-2883

If you would like to schedule an appointment with the Tobacco Treatment Program, please call 215-214-1618 or fill out the online form.