Treating Tobacco Use in Patients with Incurable Malignancies: Should We Even Start the Conversation?

BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines recommend that all medical providers address tobacco use with patients, as the long-term health benefits of becoming tobacco free are well documented. What happens, though, when a patient has an incurable malignancy and, therefore, will not reap the long-term benefits? Clinical Consideration: Our case study encourages providers to consider the relevance of tobacco use treatment for those with incurable diseases.

DISCUSSION: Although long-term benefits will not provide realistic motivation, other equally important rewards (e.g., decreased shortness of breath), a sense of accomplishment shared by patients and family, and the ability to exert control over a behavior can be equally motivating for some patients.