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New Guidance Says Doctors Should Discuss Vaping as One Option to Help Adults Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the best things a person can do for their health—but it's also one of the hardest habits to break. Many smokers make several attempts before they successfully quit, even when using medications or nicotine replacement products. Now, a panel of tobacco treatment experts is encouraging healthcare providers to expand the conversation about smoking cessation by discussing nicotine e-cigarettes as one possible option for adults who smoke cigarettes. The recommendations, published in JAMA , were developed by the Harm Reduction Work Group of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco’s Treatment Research Network. Rather than promoting vaping, the group says clinicians should focus on helping patients choose the quit-smoking method that best fits their individual circumstances. A Personalized Approach to Quitting Smoking cessation isn't the same for everyone. What works well for one person may not work for another, which is why the authors recommend mo...
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Less stress could help cancer patients

Chronic stress
associated with cancer
could negatively affect outcomes

Chronic stress shortens telomeres in cancer patients


Reducing chronic stress for cancer patients could improve health outcomes. Researchers collected biological samples in 31 women diagnosed with cervical cancer, then compared two groups in a study that measured the length of telomeres that are found at the end of chromosomes. Telomeres protect genetic information. Shorter length has been linked to shorter lifespan.

The findings showed enhancing quality of life with counseling sessions was associated with longer telomeres. The study also enhances understanding of the mind-body connection. Researchers at the University of California, Irvine conducted the study.


Edward Nelson, M.D., division chief of hematology/oncology at the University said, "For this study, we wanted to know if chronic stress was associated with accelerated telomere shortening in cancer patients, and if a psychosocial intervention that modulates the stress response could also modulate telomere length."

Women with cancer who were provided counseling were compared to those receiving usual care. Six session of counseling focused on enhancing health, improving relationships and sexual health was associated with telomere length that protects DNA and is linked to longevity and aging by scientists. 

The scientists say the findings, presented at the 102nd annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research are preliminary, but whether or not stress reduction improves outcomes from the effect on telomere length, Nelson says there is still "no doubt" that cancer patients can benefit from psychological counseling. 
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