The Impact of Breast Reconstruction on Smoking Cessation Among Patients With Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aim to evaluate trends in smoking cessation among breast cancer patients, with a particular focus on the impact of breast reconstruction surgery, and to assess if breast reconstruction surgery represents a unique opportunity for intervention.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of active smokers with a new diagnosis of breast cancer who were treated with any surgical or non-surgical intervention at our institution between 2015 and 2024. Quitting was defined as continuous cessation for at least 30 days. Patients who quit were followed for at least 6 months after cessation.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-seven patients were identified. Mean age was 56 years (range 35-87). Eighty patients (63%) underwent surgery without reconstruction, 26 patients (20%) underwent surgery with reconstruction, and 21 patients (17%) received non-surgical treatment only. Overall, 26% (34/127) of patients quit smoking. Among patients undergoing surgical treatment, patients undergoing reconstruction were significantly more likely to quit smoking than those without reconstruction (50% [13/26] vs. 23% [18/80]; p = 0.007). Patients receiving reconstruction were also significantly more likely to quit preoperatively (77% [10/13] vs. 33% [12/18]; p = 0.048). Median time from initial visit with surgical oncology to surgery was longer among reconstructive patients who quit pre-operatively (90.5 days [IQR: 44-164]) than those who quit post-operatively or did not quit (45 days [IQR: 26-68]; p = 0.13).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients receiving breast reconstruction are significantly more likely to quit smoking than those who do not. Longer median time to surgery among patients who quit pre-operatively emphasizes the need for targeted cessation interventions that allow for timely oncologic care.