Dependence on tobacco is a primary medical problem deserving of thoughtful, ongoing attention from every healthcare provider. Any argument to the contrary can be answered with the following facts: 40 out of every 100 cancer cases in India are tobacco-related1. Nearly 95% of all oral cancers occur among tobacco users1. Tobacco usage is estimated to cause about 71% of all deaths due to lung cancer, 42% of all chronic respiratory diseases and nearly 10% of all cardiovascular diseases2.



Hospitalisation offers an opportunity to address tobacco-use among patients who may be particularly receptive, especially if they are hospitalised for a tobacco-related illness. Addressing tobacco use among hospitalised patients also takes advantage of patients' interaction with the healthcare system, as they may not have previously interacted with healthcare providers in a setting where tobacco use was discussed.

Life First’s tobacco treatment protocol is based on Tobacco treatment programmes at Mayo Clinic (USA), Massachusetts General Hospital (USA), and National Health Service (UK), and the Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update—Clinical Practice Guideline by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as well as by our experiences at Prince Aly Khan Hospital, where the programme has been adapted for the Indian context.



By partnering with LifeFirst, one can offer tobacco treatment services to the people who need it the most, namely, those who are already at risk. Quitting tobacco results in a host of positive outcomes like improved response to treatment, better rate of survival among cancer patients3, reduced likelihood of developing secondary cancer after treatment4, and reduced mortality after suffering from a heart attack5.

For Inpatients

For Outpatients All admitted patients are screened for tobacco use by a trained Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS).Further, tobacco users are given a brief advise session during their hospital stay in order to motivate them to quit smoking. Patients willing to join the programme are then provided with face-to-face counselling, behavioural modification, pharmacotherapy (if needed) and follow-up support (in person or over the phone) for six months following their discharge. Patients are identified through a process of screening by a trained Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS) or via a referral system by primary consultants. These patients are then taken through a session where they are informed about the ill-effects of tobacco use, the benefits of quitting and are given information about the LifeFirst TTS service. Patients who agree to join the service are provided with specialised services, according to the LifeFirst protocol.

95% of all oral cancers occur among tobacco users Nearlyof all oral cancers occur among tobacco users 1

Be a LifeFirst Partner

What does LifeFirst offer?

Intensive training of the identified hospital staff in tobacco treatment by internationally qualified trainers.

Periodic sensitisation of consultants and Resident Medical Officers.

Development of Information Education and Communication materials to create awareness.

Setting up of an electronic database system for data collation.

Technical support for implementation of the service and ongoing monitoring support.

What will be your contribution?