Electronic cigarette use among patients with cancer: Reasons for use, beliefs, and patient‐provider communication

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research study examining electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among patients with cancer. The study aims to describe patterns, beliefs, and communication with oncology providers about e-cigarette use of patients with cancer. The research provides valuable insights into the reasons for e-cigarette use among patients with cancer and the need for improved patient-provider communication regarding the safety and efficacy of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation.

Key Points:

* The study surveyed 121 patients with cancer who currently used e-cigarettes.
* Most participants identified smoking cessation as the reason for initiating and continuing e-cigarette use.
* However, 51% of patients reported dual use of combustible cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
* Most patients reported never having discussed their use of e-cigarettes with their oncology provider.
* Patients characterized e-cigarettes as less addictive, less expensive, less stigmatizing, and less likely to impact cancer treatment than combustible cigarettes.
* Patients also viewed e-cigarettes as more satisfying, more useful for quitting smoking, and more effective at reducing cancer-related stress than nicotine replacement therapies.
* Despite these beliefs, 72% of patients reported never having discussed their e-cigarette use with their oncology provider.

Main Message:
The study highlights the need for improved patient-provider communication regarding e-cigarette use among patients with cancer. The majority of patients with cancer who use e-cigarettes have positive attitudes towards these devices and use them to aid in smoking cessation. However, most patients have never discussed their e-cigarette use with their oncology provider, indicating a significant gap in communication and care. Oncology providers should be aware of the reasons for e-cigarette use among patients with cancer and engage in open and informed discussions regarding the safety and efficacy of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation.

Correa, John B., Karen O. Brandon, Lauren R. Meltzer, Hannah J. Hoehn, Bárbara Piñeiro, Thomas H. Brandon, and Vani N. Simmons. “Electronic Cigarette Use among Patients with Cancer: Reasons for Use, Beliefs, and Patient‐provider Communication.” Psycho-Oncology 27, no. 7 (July 2018): 1757–64. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.4721.