Quit-smoking medicines and counseling
Proven to raise the chance of quitting, especially together.
What studies found
The 2020 Surgeon General's report says FDA-approved quit-smoking medicines and behavioral counseling increase the chance of quitting, particularly when used together, and that combining nicotine replacement products raises it further. Quitting is beneficial at any age and lowers the risk of 12 cancers, including lung.
The catch
Combining a medicine with counseling works better than either alone.
What to do
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about medicines, and call a quit line for free counseling.
Sources
Rung 5 of 5, Established: Large randomized trials or overwhelming, consistent human evidence; reflected in major guidelines. How we score
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the lung cancer page.
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