A recent survey conducted by Sermo, a leading platform for healthcare insights, has revealed that nearly 80% of doctors worldwide mistakenly believe that nicotine causes lung cancer. This misconception among medical professionals is jeopardizing efforts to help smokers quit and is hindering progress towards a smoke-free world.
The survey, which involved over 15,000 physicians in 11 countries, including the United States, China, and Germany, found that while an average of 87% of doctors view helping patients quit smoking as a priority, a staggering 74% mistakenly attribute a range of illnesses, including lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), to nicotine.
These misperceptions are concerning, as they impact the advice doctors provide to smokers seeking guidance on quitting. Only about half of the doctors surveyed recommend over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy to aid patients in reducing or quitting smoking.
Dr. Muhammad Ahmed, Director of Health and Science Research at the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World, emphasized the need for doctors to receive proper training on nicotine and tobacco harm reduction options. With millions of smokers dying each year from smoking-related diseases, it is crucial that doctors become knowledgeable about the available tools to help their patients quit.
Dr. Jed Rose, President and CEO of the Rose Research Center, stressed the importance of doctors providing accurate and up-to-date advice on the health risks of smoking compared to using nicotine-delivery products that do not involve combustion, such as electronic cigarettes. Patients rely on their doctors for trusted health advice, making it essential for physicians to have accurate information about smoking cessation and harm reduction.
Although the survey revealed concerning misconceptions, it also showed that a significant percentage of physicians (on average, 81%) expressed interest in training focused on smoking cessation and tobacco harm reduction. This indicates a willingness among doctors to learn and improve their knowledge in order to better assist their smoking patients.
The Foundation for a Smoke-Free World is calling on researchers to propose programs that would help improve doctors’ understanding of smoking cessation and tobacco harm reduction. By analyzing the survey findings and implementing effective educational initiatives, doctors can be equipped with the accurate and current knowledge needed to assist smokers in their journey towards quitting.
In conclusion, the survey’s results highlight the urgent need for additional education and training among doctors worldwide. By addressing the misperceptions surrounding nicotine and its relationship to smoking-related illnesses, healthcare professionals can play a crucial role in helping smokers quit and reducing the global burden of smoking-related diseases.
