OBJECTIVES

Tobacco smoking is one major risk factor in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Continuation of smoking after diagnosis and treatment is associated with an increase in recurrence rate and incidence of second tumors, with a shorter lon g-term survival and poorer response to therapy. In the current German guideline for the treatment of OSCC, there is no clear recommendation to participate in structured smoking cessation programs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 202 patients with histologically confirmed OSCC completed a one-time assessment of their smoking behavior using three standardized questionnaires during regular tumor follow-up. In addition to sociodemographic data, patients were asked retrospectively about their smoking habits and motivation to quit smoking before and after diagnosis and treatment.

RESULTS

A serious smoking cessation attempt before diagnosis of OSCC were stated in 54.8% of the participants. This number increased up to 82.2% after OSCC diagnosis. However, only 48.5% managed to quit smoking after diagnosis. Professional support was with only 21.92% (n = 16) rarely used. Motivation to quit was significantly lower before (2.75 ± 2.41) than after OSCC diagnosis (7.27 ± 2.41) (p = 0.001) and significantly higher among the participants who finally managed to quit (9.38 ± 1.68) than among those who continued smoking (4.79 ± 3.43) (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis of OSCC appears to be an important teachable moment for smoking cessation. To maximize this effect, an early and standardized implementation of systematic smoking cessation programs into the therapeutic concept of patients with OSCC is strongly recommended.