Reducing tobacco use in oncology patients who continue to smoke while receiving treatment

To reduce tobacco use among the high-risk population of oncology patients who continue to smoke while receiving treatment, the MaineHealth Cancer Care Network will design and deliver tailored training and mentoring for nurses to integrate evidence-based tobacco treatment strategies into routine oncology care. Nurses will systematically deliver brief tobacco treatment counseling, offer free pre-quit nicotine replacement therapy, and set up active referrals to the Maine Tobacco HelpLine. We will work with the nursing staff at Maine Medical Center’s radiation oncology clinics in the first year, and spread the program to a second department in year two.