Smoking cessation integrated with a lung cancer screening program: most effective method?

Introduction: The NELSON and NLST studies have shown that lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose chest CT radiation (LDCT) reduces mortality. However, smoking cessation is the most important measure for active smokers. Aim: To compare the effectiveness of smoking cessation integrated into a LCS program versus not associated with LCS. Material and methods: Observational, prospective and comparative study was carried out in the HUGTiP from December 2020 to October 2022, in which the effectiveness of smoking cessation in patients in and out of the LCS program is compared. Clinical data, treatments performed, relapses and smoking cessation as the final result were analyzed. Results: 47 patients were monitored in the smoking cessation group not associated with LCS and 50 in the LCS group. The groups were comparable in average age, % of women, Pack-Years, motivation and dependency degree. 40% of patients did not receive pharmacological treatment, 31.9% received NRT, 15.5% varecycline, 8.3% bupropion and 4.1% received combined treatment. Patients in the LCS group were twice as likely to quit smoking (OR 2.08, p value 0.113 [95% CI 0.84-5.15]), see table. Conclusions: Smoking cessation and LCS associated seem to increase the probability of smoking cessation. It is recommended to associate a LCS program with a smoking cessation program as this encourages smoking cessation.