By Dr. Albert Chang
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
MCG Health System 

Think you can quit smoking for just one day? For 31 years, The Great American Smokeout has been encouraging smokers to do just that. This year’s Smokeout will be held on Thursday, November 15 and according to the American Cancer Society more Americans try to quit smoking on this day than any other day of the year. In fact, almost 46 million smokers attempt to stop smoking on this day.

Many successful smokers pick a day to quit and prepare for it. It’s also a good idea to have a reason to quit, such as preventing lung cancer. Lung cancer kills more men and women than prostate or breast cancer. Approximately 80 percent of lung cancers could be prevented if people did not pick up that first cigarette. Quitting can reduce your risk of developing lung over time. If you want to kick the habit try these steps:
  
• Set a Quit Date. Before your quit date, remind yourself why you want to quit and the benefits of quitting (better health, breath and longer life), plus saving the cost of cigarettes.
• Identify Smoking Triggers. If stress or drinking increases your chance of picking up a cigarette, find some alternatives for coping.
• Ease Into It. Before you quit, try to eliminate smoking from certain parts of your life. For example, don’t smoke in the car or take those smoke breaks at work.
• Get Help. Find support such as a ‘quit buddy’, or try a nicotine patch or gum. Prescription medications can also be effective.

Regular visits to a physician may also help uncover other signs and symptoms of lung problems and increase your total health. Historically, lung cancer is difficult to detect in its early stages. If something is found on your CT scan or X-ray, optimal care should involve consulting with a thoracic surgeon for further evaluation and treatment options. Early detection with appropriate management can increase survival rates up to 85 percent.

MCG Health System is composed of three organizations - MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the MCG Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Medical Center, MCG Children’s Medical Center, the MCG Sports Medicine Center, MCG Ambulatory Care Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia, and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by providing an environment for delivering the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, please visit www.MCGHealth.org.