Smoking relapse-prevention intervention for cancer patients: Study design and baseline data from the surviving SmokeFree randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Continued smoking after a cancer diagnosis contributes to several negative health outcomes. Although many cancer patients attempt to quit smoking, high smoking relapse rates have been observed. This highlights the need for a targeted, evidence-based smoking-relapse prevention intervention. The design, method, and baseline characteristics of a randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of a self-help smoking-relapse prevention intervention are presented. Cancer patients who had recently quit smoking were randomized to one of two conditions. The Usual Care (UC) group received the institution’s standard of care. The smoking relapse-prevention intervention (SRP) group received standard of care, plus 8 relapse-prevention booklets mailed over a 3 month period, and a targeted educational DVD developed specifically for cancer patients. Four hundred and fourteen participants were enrolled and completed a baseline survey. Primary outcomes will be self-reported smoking status at 6 and 12-months after baseline. Biochemical verification of smoking status was completed for a subsample. If found to be efficacious, this low-cost intervention could be easily disseminated with significant potential for reducing the risk of negative cancer outcomes associated with continued smoking.

Does smoking abstinence predict cancer patients' quality of life over time?

“…This is a secondary analysis of data collected from a randomized control trial testing the efficacy of a targeted, multimodal, empirically based smoking relapse prevention intervention for cancer patients who had recently quit smoking (ie, within 3 months) . All participants received standard of care.…”

“…This is a secondary analysis of data collected from a randomized control trial testing the efficacy of a targeted, multimodal, empirically based smoking relapse prevention intervention for cancer patients who had recently quit smoking (ie, within 3 months). 15 All participants received standard of care. Those randomized to the intervention condition also received an educational DVD with smoking relapse-prevention information designed for cancer patients 16 and eight relapse-prevention booklets 17,18 that were mailed over 3 months.…”

“…Study procedures have been described previously. 15 Briefly, potential participants were identified through an electronic capture and trigger system and informed about the study during a medical visit. Those interested were screened and, if eligible, were consented and enrolled.…”

Associations between the smoking‐relatedness of a cancer type, cessation attitudes and beliefs, and future abstinence among recent quitters

“…The present study is a secondary analysis using data collected for a randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of a targeted, multimodal, empirically‐based smoking relapse prevention intervention for cancer patients (412 enrolled). Participants in the control group received standard of care, and those in the intervention group standard of care +8 relapse‐prevention booklets and an educational DVD . The relapse‐prevention booklets were mailed over the course of 3 months and included information relevant for the general population of smokers (eg, coping with urges).…”

“…Study procedures have been described in detail elsewhere . An electronic capture and trigger system was used to identify potential participants using the electronic medical record.…”