Addiction to smoking is very powerful in majority of lung cancer patients

Ivanhoe Newswire: Even after a bout with lung cancer, many people go back to smoking. The finding is part of the latest research in lung cancer. Two studies released this week provide more insight into how to help cancer victims give up the habit and how to prevent the disease in the first place.

Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis report going back to smoking after lung cancer surgery is common, especially for those who only quit because of the surgery.

In a study of 154 smokers who had surgery to remove early stage lung cancer, half of the smokers went back to smoking within one year after the surgery. Sixty percent of this group actually started smoking within two months after surgery. However, patients who held out the longest before picking up a cigarette again were more likely to eventually stop smoking.

Researchers conclude the addiction to smoking is very powerful for some lung cancer patients.

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