Samsung Medical Center study: Smoking cessation reduces mortality in cancer patients

A large-scale study conducted by researchers at Samsung Medical Center has found that smoking cessation significantly reduces mortality and cardiovascular risks for cancer patients. Analyzing data from 46,834 smokers diagnosed with cancer between 2015 and 2022, the research team compared three groups: those who continued smoking combustible cigarettes, those who switched to e-cigarettes, and those who quit completely.

Results showed that patients who quit completely had an 8% lower overall mortality risk and a 36% lower risk of major cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, compared to those who continued smoking combustible cigarettes.

The study also highlighted e-cigarettes as a potential harm reduction tool. Patients who switched to e-cigarettes showed a 16% lower mortality risk and a 28% lower risk of major cardiovascular events compared to continuous combustible cigarette smokers. However, researchers cautioned that e-cigarettes are not a substitute for complete cessation. They noted that 64.2% of the e-cigarette group were dual users—consuming both combustible cigarettes and e-cigarettes—which can negate health benefits and increase lung complication risks. The research emphasizes that while switching to e-cigarettes may serve as a transitional step, complete smoking cessation remains the primary goal for cancer survivor management.