BackgroundThe government has recognised the role of healthcare professionals in smoking cessation interventions with integrated care pathways for identification and referral of at-risk patients who smoke. Referral for suspected cancers has been suggested as a ‘teachable moment’, whereby individuals are motivated and more likely to adopt risk-reducing behaviours. A head and neck cancer referral clinic could therefore provide opportunities for smoking cessation intervention.This study aims to pilot a brief smoking cessation intervention during a consultation visit for patients referred with suspected head and neck cancer and evaluate its acceptability and impact.MethodsA brief script for smoking cessation intervention which included a smoking cessation referral was designed to be delivered to patients attending a rapid access clinic. Patient outcome data was collected by the stop smoking team for patients who accepted the referral. A subset of these patients was also interviewed by telephone; these findings were combined with data provided by the stop smoking services to assess the acceptability and impact of pilot smoking cessation intervention on patients.ResultsIn total, 473 new patients attended the clinic during the study period, of whom 102 (22%) were smokers. Of these, 80 (78%) accepted a referral to stop smoking services. A total of 75 (74%) patients were approached subsequently in a telephone survey. Of the 80 newly referred patients, 29 (36%) quit smoking at least temporarily. Another eight patients reduced their smoking or set a quit date (10%), so the experience of attending the clinic and the intervention impacted favourably on almost half of the patients (46%). The patient survey found the intervention to be acceptable for 94% (n = 50) of patients. Qualitative analysis of patient responses revealed five elements which support the acceptability of the intervention.ConclusionsThe findings of this pilot study suggest that discussion of smoking cessation with patients referred for suspected head and neck cancer may have an impact and facilitate the process towards quitting. A possible diagnosis of cancer appears to present a ‘teachable moment’ to encourage positive health behaviour change.

SAHPO syndrome is a heterogenous auto-inflammatory disease. There are many alternative drugs with various responses. but the treatment remains a challenge. This article is aimed to update the drugs and treatments applied to SAPHO syndrome.

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Xi-ge-da strata is widespread in Pan-xi region, the physical-mechanical properties of which is specila compared with general soil. The study of reinforcement in Xi-ge-da strata possesses applicable value in engineering. The result and change law of c and φ of Xi-ge-da strata with Synthetic fiber has been obtained by three-axial compression test. It is founded that the result of c and φ has risen by 35.9% and 33.8% respectively compared to the one without Synthetic fiber. It provides basis data for the use of reinforcement in Xi-ge-da strata.