Clearing the Air

[...]smoking cessation is challenging, and statistics indicate that fewer than 1 in 10 adults successfully quit.5,6 Data also reveal that 90% to 95% of individuals who use smoking cessation techniques eventually start smoking again within 6 months.6,7 Benefits of Smoking Cessation According to the National Cancer Institute and the CDC, smoking cessation can have immediate and long-term health benefits.8 Table 1 reviews the health benefits of smoking cessation and how soon those benefits can be seen after cessation.8 Recent Clinical Data and News In a study recently published in Cureus, the authors indicated that a one-size-fits-all approach is not practical for smoking cessation. Pharmacists can also encourage patients to seek assistance from their primary health care provider to improve the likelihood of successful and long-term smoking cessation. Pharmacists can also assess whether self-care measures are appropriate and direct patients to seek medical assessment from their primary health care provider to discuss the use of prescription smoking cessation products.