Lessons from Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Smoking Cessation Programs for Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background: Smoking among patients diagnosed with cancer poses important health and financial challenges including reduced effectiveness of expensive cancer therapies. This study explores the value of smoking cessation programs (SCPs) for patients already diagnosed with cancer. It also identifies conditions under which SPCs may be wise investments. Methods: Using a simplified decision analytic model combined with insights from a literature review, we explored the cost-effectiveness of SCPs. Results: The findings provide insights about the potential impact of cessation probabilities among cancer patients in SCPs and the potential impact of SCPs on cancer patients’ lives. Conclusion: The evidence suggests that there is good reason to believe that SCPs are an economically attractive way to improve outcomes for cancer patients when SCPs are offered in conjunction with standard cancer care.

Keywords

• cost-effectiveness analysis
• economic evaluation
• value of smoking cessation programs