THOMASVILLE — According the American Cancer Society, tobacco use is responsible for one in five deaths in the United States every year. In addition, smoking is directly responsible for approximately 90 percent of lung cancer deaths and approximately 80-90 percent of COPD (emphysema and chronic bronchitis) deaths.
But because cigarette smoking and tobacco use are acquired behaviors — activities that people choose to do — using tobacco may be one of the most preventable cause of death.
For many though, quitting is easier said than done. And while most tobacco users recognize the health risks, The American Lung Association estimates that six out of 10 smokers require multiple attempts to quit smoking.
Archbold Memorial Hospital’s Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center will host a seven- week smoking cessation program, focusing exclusively on how to quit and using proven techniques and methods designed to help smokers gain control over their behavior.
Singletary Oncology Center patient navigators Debbie Beeson and Leslie Swords will serve as course instructors.
“There’s not a single cessation technique that’s effective for all smokers,” said Swords. “For that reason, our program was designed to offer a comprehensive variety of evidence-based cessation techniques.”
“What makes our program unique is the support system,” added Bill Tustin administrator of the Singletary Oncology Center. “Participants will benefit from the support of others who are going through the same stages at the same time.”
The first class will be held on January 21, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm in the community room at the Singletary Oncology Center. The seven-week course is free to the community, as part of Archbold’s clinical outreach program, supporting Archbold’s core value of community benefit.
For more information on the smoking cessation program, call Debbie Beeson, (229) 584-5445.