Info for Tobacco Users

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, so there are a lot of events and extra support for people at risk.

Tobacco smoke is the leading cause of lung cancer. In fact, about 80% of lung cancer deaths are thought to result from smoking and likely higher for small cell lung cancer, which is rare among non-smokers.

This could be your time to quit tobacco for good or get screened for lung cancer. Browse the resources below for the information you need to make it happen.

Lung Cancer Screening
Screening is important for smokers. Early stage lung cancers cause no symptoms and are not easy to detect without this specialized test. Learn all about how to get a lung cancer screening here.

MyHealthVT.org
My Healthy Vermont offers ongoing self-management workshops led by certified instructors. They provide direct customized support for quitting smoking. These workshops are offered online and in-person across the state. Check the link for one that fits your schedule.

Online Tools
The American Lung Association offers Freedom from Smoking Plus, an online program with live support to help you quit.

802 Quits
802 Quits offers online help, support, rewards, fun quit tools, and free nicotine replacement for Vermonters who want to quit.

With these tools and the support of family and friends, you can make a plan to quit and stick with it long term. There is no greater step for improving your health and reducing your risk of lung cancer.

Caitlin Tilley, BSN, RN, CEN, SANE, is the director of Care Coordination and Blueprint program manager at Southwestern Vermont Health Care in Bennington.