With cigarette prices on the rise and statewide smoking bans in 26 states, it seems as though quitting smoking would be more convenient than ever. However, quitting - and its health benefits - remains out of reach for many smokers.

It's a well-known fact that the nicotine in cigarettes makes them dangerously addictive, but when coupled with the deadly carcinogens contained in cigarette smoke, the habit can kill. Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health, as it helps lower the risk for cancer, stroke, and heart and lung disease. So what's the best way to quit?

Dr. Damon Vidrine will be available on www.twitter.com/cancerwise Thursday, April 29th at 12 p.m. CT to answer your questions.

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Read The Transcript - April 29, 2010 on Twitter

Question
JennTex: So Dr Vidrine (@cancerwise) how does nicotine actually cause cancer? #quitsmoking

Answer
@JennTex Nicotine doesn't cause cancer, but tobacco does. Nicotine is the chemical in tobacco that makes it addictive. #quitsmoking

@JennTex Tobacco contains thousands of carcinogenic chemicals, which cause genetic damage to cells, leading to cancer. #quitsmoking     

Question
robynlisastein: Dr. Vidrine, if someone has already been diagnosed with cancer, does it make a difference if they quit smoking? #quitsmoking    

Answer
@robynlisastein Absolutely! Quitting smoking after a cancer diagnosis is among the most important things you can do. #quitsmoking

@robynlisastein Smoking interferes with treatment effectiveness, causes negative side effects, and reduces cancer survival. #quitsmoking

Question
JennTex: @cancerwise how long does it take for the chemicals in tobacco to have an effect on your health? #quitsmoking

Answer
@JennTex Immediately. It causes CO to increase instantly blood pressure and pulse rate increases, and blood vessels constrict. #quitsmoking

Comment
robynlisastein: Tobacco contains thousands of carcinogenic chemicals, which cause genetic damage to cells, leading to cancer. #quitsmoking


Question
Lindstar10: Hi Dr. Vidrine - Are there any side effects to quitting? #quitsmoking

Answer
@Lindstar10 Most people who quit smoking suffer from nicotine withdrawal symptoms. #quitsmoking

@Lindstar10 For example, irritability, anxiety, depressed mood, headache, and insomnia are often reported. #quitsmoking    

Generally, these symptoms peak a couple of days after quitting, but are generally much weaker (or completely gone) in a week. #quitsmoking

Question
jodyms: @CancerWise What are the best methods you've found to help people deal with withdrawal symptoms when they stop? #quitsmoking

Answer
@jodyms the FDA approved pharmacotherapies (NRT, zyban, or chantix) all help with withdrawal. #quitsmoking

Question
caitlin_hool: Hi Dr. Vidrine, is it safe to use nicotine-replacement therapies to help curb nicotine withdrawal? #QuitSmoking

Answer
@caitlin_hool Yes, safe and effective (if used correctly). They generally double your chances of successfully quitting. #quitsmoking

Question
JennTex: So we know its hard to quit smoking. What are the safest and most effective options for trying to quit. #quitsmoking

Answer
@JennTex I would suggest that you should combine some type pharmacotherapy with effective counseling. #quitsmoking


Question
JennTex: I have friends and family that smoke. Is there anything that I can do to help them quit? #quitsmoking

Answer
@JennTex Unfortunately, if someone does not want to quit, there's not much you can do. #quitsmoking

@JennTex But don't nag, be as supportive as possible, and remember that nicotine is an incredibly powerful drug. #quitsmoking

Comment
jodyms: Nagging never encouraged anyone do anything, anyway no how. Doesn't work for any addiction. #quitsmoking

Question
caitlin_hool: What nicotine replacement therapies do you recommend? #QuitSmoking

Answer
@caitlin_hool They're all good: patch, gum, lozenge, spray, and inhaler. I tend to recommend the patch. #quitsmoking

Question
jodyms: @CancerWise @caitlin_hoo I have a friend who cycles 50 - 100 miles at a time but is still hooked on the gum. Can't be good #quitsmoking

Answer
@jodyms Actually, it's probably not too bad, and doesn't compare with using tobacco. #quitsmoking

Comment
jodyms: Survivors, if any of you do smoke please join #quitsmoking @cancerwise to get help in quitting. No judgement, just help #quitsmoking

Question
L_Macon: Hi Dr. Vidrine Is switching to "light" cigarettes a good way to quit? #quitsmoking #quitsmoking

Answer
@L_Macon No, "light" cigarettes are not safer than other cigarettes. Remember, there are no safe forms of tobacco. #quitsmoking

Question
caitlin_hool: Dr. Vidrine, what about cigarettes that are labeled "all natural" with no additives? #QuitSmoking

Answer
@caitlin_hool Even if grown organically with no additives, tobacco is harmful. No way around this. #quitsmoking

Question
JennTex: Since we are on the subject of other types of tobacco are cigars, or chewing tobacco

Answer
@JennTex While the risk of smokeless tobacco may be less than cigarettes, but they are certainly not a safe alternative. #quitsmoking

Question
jodyms: @cancerwise I grew up in a smoking household: both parents. Everywhere, including the car. How big of a risk factor is that? #quitsmoking

Answer
@jodyms It certainly can be risky. Secondhand smoke is responsible for almost 50,000 deaths in the US each year. #quitsmoking


Question
robynlisastein: Dr. Vidrine: How long is it safe to wear the nicotine patch? #quitsmoking

Answer
@robynlisastein the patch provides a very low dose, so you could really wear it indefinitely without causing harm. #quitsmoking

Question
caitlin_hool: Dr. Vidrine, who should be screened for tobacco-related cancers, and when? My dad chewed for 25 years but has since quit. #quitsmoking

Answer
@caitlin_hool certainly, he should be screened at routine dentist and doctor appointments (as should most people). #quitsmoking

@caitlin_hool The value of other lung cancer screening techniques, such as ct, is currently being studied. #quitsmoking


Question
JennTex: Dr Vidrine, how often to smokers get diseases like lung cancer? #quitsmoking

Answer
@JennTex Half of all smokers (who don't quit) will die from a smoking-related cause. #quitsmoking

@JennTex Lung cancer, which about 10% of smokers will get, is only one of these diseases. #quitsmoking    

Question
robynlisastein: Dr. Vidrine, is it dangerous to smoke cigarettes while using nicotine replacement products? #quitsmoking

Answer
@robynlisastein That's a good question. Several studies suggest that it is and this approach may ultimately improve quit rates. #quitsmoking

@robynlisastein However unless instructed by your doctor, you should follow the instructions provided with the NRT product. #quitsmoking

Comment
JennTex: Thank you so much Dr Vidrine of answering all of our questions. This is such a personal topic to so many people #quitsmoking

Comment 
jodyms: @cancerwise @JennTex and Dr. Vidrine -- thanks for a terrific chat. A lot of terrific information! Thanks. #quitsmoking 

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Smoking Cessation Resources from MD Anderson

Prevention & Screening: Smoking and Tobacco

Cancerwise: Tobacco Use and HPV Exposure (March 15, 2010)

Just The Facts: Smoking and Tobacco Use (February 2009)

Together: Yes You Can (Summer 2009)

Cancer Prevention Program - ASPIRE


Tobacco Treatment Program

Tobacco Treatment Program - FAQs

Cessation Benefits


Research

Susceptibility Predicts Smoking Risk among Mexican-American Youth

Mouth May Tell the Tale of Lung Damage Caused by Smoking