Development of an Intervention Targeted to Patients with Cancers Not Typically Perceived as Smoking-Related

Smoking by cancer patients impairs treatment outcomes and prognoses across cancer types. Previous research shows greater smoking cessation motivation and quit rates among patients with cancers strongly linked to smoking (i.e., thoracic, head and neck) compared to other cancer types (e.g., melanoma). Therefore, there is a need to increase cessation motivation among patients with malignancies less commonly associated with smoking. Yet, no targeted educational materials exist to meet this information gap. This manuscript describes the development of theory-based self-help educational materials, targeted by cancer type, to increase motivation to quit smoking among patients with cancers not widely perceived as smoking-related (i.e., breast, melanoma, bladder, colorectal, gynecological). Using a three-phase iterative process, we first conducted in-depth interviews with our intended audience (N = 18) to identify information needs and nuanced content. Themes included patients’ low knowledge about the connection between smoking and cancer etiology and outcomes; negative affect, habit, dependence, and weight gain as quitting barriers; and a preference for positive and non-judgmental content. Second, content creation was based on interview findings, the scientific literature, and framed following the teachable moment model. Last, learner verification and revisions via interviews with 22 patients assessed suitability of draft materials, with generally favorable responses. Resulting edits included tailoring cost savings to the cancer context, explaining cessation medications, and increasing appeal by improving the diversity (e.g., race) of the individuals in the photographs. The final booklets are low cost, easy to disseminate, and—pending efficacy studies—may expand smoking cessation to a wider spectrum of cancer patients.