Have you tried to quit smoking while undergoing treatment?
The decision to quit smoking is a very personal one. Everyone has his or her own reason that helps start the journey to quit smoking. The diagnosis of a serious illness or chronic condition, like cancer, a heart condition, lung condition, diabetes, might be one reason to quit smoking as part of treatment and recovery.
Are you currently undergoing treatment for a serious illness or chronic condition, or are you a survivor of a serious illness who made the decision to quit smoking while undergoing treatment? If yes, and you feel comfortable doing so, please share the experience of your journey to quit smoking.
Thank you for sharing your experiences anonymously in the online survey. The survey is now closed.
However you can continue to share your experiences here in an open discussion with other members. Your story can help others on their journey to quit smoking.
- Did you decide to quit while undergoing treatment? Why or why not?
- What uncertainties or challenges did you face?
- How did your care providers support you to quit smoking? How could they have supported you differently or better?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Cancer Support Group.
Connect

I agree with @virgo1952 No need to be embarrassed. Turn that feeling into desire and motivation. Motivation to do it for you, your health and ?? who else? Who might you think about to motivate your quit goal? Grandchildren?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsYour welcome and I really do wish you success in this battle.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsThank you for the support.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsNo, no, no. No embarrassment necessary. Just desire and persistence. I think writing it down sounds like it’s working. You can see and track. That’s a great idea and sharing it might help somebody else. I started a $ log and found all the STUFF I could buy with that $. My wish list.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsI know, and am trying. I did cut down and write down every time I light up
This helped me count how much I smoke and convert it to dollars. Gotta quit. No excuses.
Embarrassed I still smoke.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsWell....I spent a few years smoking. I remember one day looking at the ashtray and thinking how did I get here? I guess I just couldn’t find any thing positive about smoking. I was an “adult” smoker (later in life, 40-50 yr range), so I know the addictive process is somewhat different than a person (my husband) who had started smoking in his late teens. His job made it more difficult to smoke while working, so that was good. He was diagnosed with a autoimmune disease eight tears ago. Between being hospitalized, then treated with a cancer like infusion, he was “restrained” from smoking and at some point, decided to quit. That decision made me very happy. For reference, we r both 68, so for him, especially, he was fully addicted to the nicotine in cigarettes. He still remembers smoking and still has an emotional/psychological draw, but as time passes, he finds more reasons to have quit than continue. It takes a lot to quit smoking. I can say that from watching my husband and being empathetic to his struggle. If you asked him today if it was a good decision, I think his response would be it was a “no brainier” Hard, but quality of life and his health were paramount. I hope this gives someone encouragement and a “reality” check for your health and quality of life. How and the steps to quit are yours to make. That is our story Definitely, from seeing the responses, you have many members cheering you on. Good luck. Would Love to read your success story
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
6 ReactionsTobacco. The only product left in America that when used exactly as recommended by the manufacturer, will kill you.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@kowalski, there are many approaches to successfully quite smoking. For some a gradual decrease helps, especially with aids like nicotine patches or quit medications. Others find cold turkey works for them. The website https://www.becomeanex.org/ in partnership with the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center (NDC) offers support and resources.
Here's some information and a video specific to your questions:
Why it’s so important to quit smoking when you have cancer https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/blog/Why%20it%E2%80%99s%20so%20important%20to%20quit%20smoking%20when%20you%20have%20cancer
Kowalski, have you tried quitting before? Are you ready to try now?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsQuitting is hard. But your body will thank you, regardless of any “jolt” to your system. We don’t like to hear that we are addicted, but anyone who’s tried to quit has learned how addictive tobacco is.
Not quitting for fear of a jolt is an easy rationalization to keep smoking. Don’t believe it.
You’ve got this. Go for the jolt!
Will gather more info. Keeping smoking sounds false.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction