Cancer Care Nova Scotia is looking for volunteers to serve as public advisors on a committee to develop programs to help cancer patients quit smoking.

Advisors may be former or current smokers, who have experienced the cancer system as a patient, family member, friend or caregiver. The committee will also include clinical experts, administrators and community partners.

“People may believe that once a person is diagnosed with cancer the damage is done, and there is no value in quitting smoking or other forms of tobacco use,” said Dr. Stephanie Snow, medical oncologist, Nova Scotia Cancer Centre. “The good news is this is not true. It is never too late to experience the benefits from quitting, and there are many benefits to quitting smoking at the time that a person is diagnosed with cancer.”

Patients and families offer unique insights and are key partners any time Cancer Care Nova Scotia develops programs or processes to improve the cancer system.

“In this instance, understanding the challenges of being a patient who smokes or who is trying to quit smoking once diagnosed with cancer, is critical to the project’s success,” said Leslie Hill, patient engagement coordinator, Cancer Care Nova Scotia.

Anyone interested in learning more about this volunteer opportunity should visit www.cancercare.ns.ca/volunteers or call 1-866-599-2267.

This project is funded by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. Partners include the Department of Health and Wellness, through Cancer Care Nova Scotia and Public Health, and the Nova Scotia Health Authority (Cape Breton Cancer Centre).

Source: Release