Integrating Smoking Cessation Counseling into Routine Healthcare Practices

In a pressing call to action, Dr. Neena Chandrasekaran, a prominent physician, advocates for the incorporation of smoking cessation counseling as a standard practice in healthcare settings. The commentary, published on July 9, 2025, emphasizes the severe health risks associated with smoking, which extend beyond chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer to include cardiovascular diseases and various other cancers. Dr. Chandrasekaran highlights that many patients underestimate the extensive impact of smoking on their overall health, often believing it primarily affects the lungs.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths annually in the United States, accounting for nearly one in five deaths. Furthermore, the CDC reports that while smoking rates have declined in recent years, approximately 34 million adults in the U.S. still smoke cigarettes (CDC, 2022).
Dr. Chandrasekaran elucidates that smoking can lead to serious heart conditions such as advanced atherosclerosis, early-onset hypertension, and increased risk of heart attacks. The detrimental effects of smoking also extend to the risk of developing cancers of the esophagus, mouth, bladder, stomach, and pancreas, in addition to oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Furthermore, smoking can impact fertility and compromise the immune system, leading to chronic health conditions.
"Counseling our patients on smoking cessation is one of the best interventions we can provide," asserts Dr. Chandrasekaran. She advocates for healthcare providers to actively discuss various cessation methods with patients, including hotlines, mobile applications, and behavioral counseling. Furthermore, she notes the efficacy of FDA-approved medications such as varenicline (Chantix) and bupropion, alongside nicotine replacement therapies available in various forms, from gums and patches to lozenges and inhalers.
In addition to traditional methods, Dr. Chandrasekaran acknowledges the potential benefits of alternative therapies, including hypnotherapy, acupuncture, and herbal remedies, which some individuals may find advantageous in their cessation journey. The integration of these varied approaches can enhance the likelihood of successful smoking cessation.
The urgency of implementing routine smoking cessation counseling is underscored by emerging research. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found that structured counseling combined with pharmacotherapy significantly increased quit rates compared to unsupported cessation attempts (Smith et al., 2023).
Healthcare professionals are encouraged to prioritize smoking cessation discussions during patient interactions, as it represents a critical opportunity to improve health outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that comprehensive smoking cessation programs can lead to significant public health improvements. According to WHO reports, countries that have implemented robust cessation strategies have seen a notable decline in smoking prevalence (WHO, 2021).
In conclusion, the implementation of routine smoking cessation counseling is not merely a recommendation but a necessary intervention that can lead to substantial improvements in patient health and quality of life. As healthcare providers, the responsibility lies in leveraging every patient interaction to promote cessation efforts, thereby fostering a healthier population and reducing the burden of smoking-related diseases.
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