BACKGROUND: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, with smoking as its predominant risk factor. In Poland, lung cancer accounts for over 25% of cancer-related deaths. While lung cancer screening (LCS) using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) has proven effective in reducing mortality, integrating smoking cessation interventions within LCS programs remains a challenge. Barriers include a lack of standardized protocols and variability in cessation outcomes. This Polish expert consensus highlights the need for a structured approach to incorporate evidence-based smoking cessation strategies into LCS programs.BACKGROUND AND IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, with smoking as its predominant risk factor. In Poland, lung cancer accounts for over 25% of cancer-related deaths. While lung cancer screening (LCS) using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) has proven effective in reducing mortality, integrating smoking cessation interventions within LCS programs remains a challenge. Barriers include a lack of standardized protocols and variability in cessation outcomes. This Polish expert consensus highlights the need for a structured approach to incorporate evidence-based smoking cessation strategies into LCS programs.
INTERVENTION OR RESPONSE: A multidisciplinary team of experts developed a framework to enhance smoking cessation support in LCS. Key recommendations include providing participants with cognitive-behavioral counseling, pharmacotherapy (cytisine, bupropion, varenicline, NRT), and educational materials. Teleconsultations, biochemical addiction validation, and proactive follow-ups ensure long-term cessation. Additionally, participants are discouraged from using alternative nicotine products due to health risks and potential addiction.
RESULTS AND IMPACT: Research demonstrates that integrating smoking cessation interventions into LCS increases quit rates among high-risk individuals. For example, hospital-based counseling achieved a 15.5% one-year quit rate, while telephone counseling paired with nicotine replacement therapy showed a quit rate of up to 17.4%. This consensus framework optimizes LCS outcomes by combining early cancer detection with effective smoking cessation support. Implementing such interventions could significantly reduce lung cancer-related mortality and its economic burden in Poland.
CONCLUSIONS: Integrating smoking cessation into LCS programs represents a cost-effective strategy to enhance public health outcomes. The dual role of LCS in detecting cancer early and promoting smoking cessation can serve as a model for broader public health initiatives. By addressing existing barriers and leveraging evidence-based methods, this consensus sets the foundation for a sustainable smoking cessation approach within Poland’s healthcare system.