Prince George, B.C. – In recognition of “World No Tobacco Day” Saturday a new initiative, Stop Smoking Before Surgery, is looking to increase awareness of the benefits of giving up smoking prior to surgery as well as to support patients in their decision to stop smoking.

“Most people who smoke are aware of the negative health effects of smoking and many think about quitting,” said Nancy Viney, Northern Health- Tobacco Reduction. “What many people don’t know is that an upcoming surgery is an optimal time to quit to improve surgical outcomes.”  Stopping smoking prior to surgery reduces the risk of complications, speeds healing and shortens hospital stays. Smoking is also a risk factor for lung and other cancers, and the north has higher rates of smoking. Tobacco use causes about 85 per cent of lung cancer cases and lung cancer continues to be the number one cause of death from cancer for both men and women in BC.

“It is important that all patients who are planning to undergo a surgical procedure be aware of the benefits of quitting six to eight weeks before their surgery,” says Dr. Nadine Caron, general surgeon at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia. “We also encourage patients to stay smoke free for their recovery and plan to stay smoke-free long term for better health. There are many provincial resources available to support smoking cessation before surgery.”

During this initiative, all health care professionals who come in contact with patients planning non-emergency surgery are being asked to engage in a brief intervention and to refer their patients to provincial cessation services. Print resources, such as rack cards to alert pre-surgical patients to the benefits of stopping before surgery and QuitNow smart steps booklets, have been delivered to most clinics in Northern BC.

The Smoking Cessation Program helps with the cost of smoking cessation aids. Once each calendar year, B.C. residents enrolled with the Medical Services Plan can receive PharmaCare coverage of a single continuous course of treatment of a prescription smoking cessation drug or a free 12-week supply of a nicotine replacement gum or patches.  Your physician can provide the information and prescription needed.