A recent study followed 212 smokers diagnosed with kidney cancer for over 8 years. About 40% of patients stopped smoking after their diagnosis and 56% of them quit before their first treatment.

The study found that those patients who quit smoking had a 50% lower risk for death and a 56% lower risk for disease progression.

Researchers observed the beneficial effects of quitting smoking across all patient groups, including light versus moderate-heavy smokers and those with early stage versus late stage kidney cancer.

In conclusion, patients with kidney cancer who smoke should be encouraged to quit smoking at any time and at each visit after diagnosis, regardless of the stage of their tumour.

Read more in Healio Haematology/Oncology here