"The most important ingredient

in successful smoking cessation is for the individual smoker to make a

personal decision to stop smoking in order to avoid the risks to future

health," said Frederic Grannis, M.D., a lung cancer specialist at

City of Hope Cancer Center in Los Angeles. "Having said that, it

must be understood that it is very hard to stop smoking. The smoker is

addicted to nicotine and also has a complex behavior pattern and habit

of smoking. Although some people can quit 'cold turkey,' without

any help, most people fail on their own and need help."

When people quit smoking the

body reacts to the absence of nicotine, resulting in withdrawal symptoms

that can include depression, feelings of frustration or anger, irritability,

difficulty sleeping, restlessness, headaches, tiredness and increased

appetite.

Nicotine substitutes and prescription

oral medicines, such as bupropion, can help ease withdrawal symptoms.

There are many types of nicotine replacements including nicotine patches,

nicotine gum, nicotine nasal spray, nicotine inhalers and nicotine lozenges.

Once the physical symptoms

of quitting are under control, it is time to focus on the psychological

challenges. For many people, smoking is strongly linked to daily activities

such as waking up, eating a meal, watching TV or drinking coffee. To cope

with cravings that come at these moments, it is necessary alter your behavior.

�

"For example, if you usually

have a cigarette when you drink coffee, try taking a brisk walk instead

of a coffee break, or consider drinking water or juice instead of coffee,"

suggested Dr. Grannis.

Other tips:

- Get rid of smoking related

items such as lighters and ashtrays.

- Let your friends and

family know you are quitting so that you have a strong support system,

or consider attending a smoking cessation class.

- Avoid people and places

where you are tempted to smoke until you are more confident about your

ability to avoid the temptation.

- Alter habits to perform

activities that you don't associate with smoking.

- Try alternatives such

as chewing gum, hard candy or sunflower seeds.

- Find ways to keep your

hands busy to distract you from the urge to smoke.

Quitting smoking is difficult,

but 46 million Americans have successfully quit and therefore reduced

their risk of lung cancer. For more information about lung cancer research

and treatment, contact City of Hope Cancer Center at 1-800-826-HOPE or

visit www.cityofhope.org.

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