Evaluation of qutting behavior in the primary relatives of patiens diagnosed with cancer

Tobacco use is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality. As a consequence, quitting smoking is a fundamental aim of primary prevention of diseases. Diagnosing a smoker or his/her relative with cancer may result in increased motivation for quitting. This study aimed to evaluate the quitting wills and behaviors of first degree relatives of patients diagnosed with cancer, and also to assess whether the quit rates are different between primary caregivers and other first-degree relatives. A total of 176 relatives of patients diagnosed with cancer between July 2017-December 2017 at Hacettepe University Medical Oncology Outpatient Unit were recruited for the study. Mean age of the participants was 42.4±11.6 years, 54 were females (30.7%), and 122 were males (69.3%). The evaluations on the 30th day after first interview revealed that 134 (76.1%) continued smoking, and 42 (23.9%) have quitted. Comparisons of 30th day smoking status between groups revealed that quitting rates were higher in females (p=0.006). Quitting rates were higher in primary caregivers than others (27% vs 17%, p=0.08), but this difference was not statistically significant. Quitting rate was higher in relatives of lung cancer patients (40.4%) than those with other cancers (16.9%) (p=0.001). In conclusion, we have observed that smokers were more motivated for quitting if one of their relatives are diagnosed with a serious illness. Higher quit rates might be achieved if these individuals are supported adequately.