Quit Smoking for CancerCare Manitoba Staff, Patients, and Families

Now is a Great Time to Quit Smoking

Tobacco is one of the most addictive substances, and therefore, can also be a difficult one to quit. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health.

Tobacco is one of the most addictive substances, and therefore, can also be a difficult one to quit. It often takes multiple attempts to quit smoking. CancerCare Manitoba wants to give patients and their families, and staff and their families, the support and medication they need to stop smoking through the CancerCare Manitoba Quit Smoking program. This program is free, confidential, and personalized.

 

Why Cancer Patients Should Quit Smoking

Evidence shows that quitting will improve your health, and your body’s response to treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy or surgery. The impact from quitting includes: 

  • fewer and less serious side effects
  • faster recovery time
  • increased success of treatment
  • lower risk of infection
  • more energy
  • decreased risk of recurrence and secondary cancers
  • longer survival
  • better quality of life

 

How the Program Works

  • Participants will learn strategies to identify their triggers for smoking and how they can manage cravings.
  • Participants will be assessed for which medications will best support their quit journey. Medications offered for free through the Quit Smoking Program include nicotine replacement therapy (patch, gum, lozenge, or inhaler), Buproprion (Zyban®), and Varenicline (Champix®).
  • Through the use of a smoking and craving journal, participants will monitor their tobacco use by keeping a cravings diary. They’ll record when they have a cigarette and under what circumstances so they can track their smoking habits.
  • Appointments are also made to monitor and see how quitting smoking changes the level of carbon monoxide.
  • If you are a CancerCare Manitoba patient or staff member, or a family member of a patient or staff member and are interested in participating in this program, call CancerCare Manitoba’s Quit Team at 204-787-1202 or toll free at 1-888-775-9899.

 

Contact

CancerCare Manitoba's Quit Team

204-787-1202

Toll free: 1-888-775-9899