Tobacco Cessation

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), smokers have a much higher risk of developing lung cancer than non-smokers. In tandem with Memorial Hermann’s Lung Cancer Screening Program, a dedicated team of Oncology Nurse Navigators offer tobacco cessation counseling to help patients quit using tobacco products and educate them on lung cancer prevention.

• Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
• Lung cancer is the most common cancer in men and women combined after skin cancer.
• Lung cancer kills more than 158,000 Americans every year – more than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.
• More than 222,500 people get diagnosed with lung cancer every year.*

Learn More About Lung Cancer

People who quit smoking greatly reduce their risk for disease and early death. Smoking cessation is associated with the following health benefits:

• Reduced risk of developing lung and other cancers.
• Reduced risk for heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.
• Reduced respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
• Reduced risk of developing other lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Reduced risk for infertility in women of childbearing age.

Patients interested in participating in tobacco cessation programs should contact the following campuses for more information:

• Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center - (713) 242-3564
• Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center - (713) 704-3929
• Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center Hospital - (713) 897-4668
• Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital - (713) 867-2062
• Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital - (281) 540-7851

Once you quit smoking, your body will quickly begin to reap the benefits. Data collected by the American Cancer Society found that in just nine months, lungs begin to regain normal function. Within five years, the risk of mouth, throat, esophageal and bladder cancers are cut in half, and stroke risk falls to that of a non-smoker.

Tobacco users can also visit the following websites for cessation tips and information on the risks of tobacco use:

• YesQuit: www.yesquit.org
• American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org
• American Lung Association: www.lung.org
• Make a Quit Plan: www.smokefree.gov

Want to learn more about how to quit smoking, our tobacco cessation program, or lung cancer screenings? Fill out the form below to speak with one of our oncology nurse navigators.