Cancer Committee

From the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service

Ask the CIS - November 2005

Q: I want to quit smoking, but I'm afraid of the cravings I will have. How could I handle them?

A: Nicotine cravings usually begin within an hour or two after you stop smoking. They may last for several days but will become weaker over time. You may continue to have mild cravings occasionally during the first six months.

The good news is that even a very strong craving lasts only about a minute. It will pass! Here are some things to do when you feel a craving:

• Put something in your mouth. Try chewing on carrot sticks, pickles, sunflower seeds, apples, sugarless gum, or sugarless hard candy. Drink a glass of water.
• Move around. Take a walk or wash your hands. Light incense or a candle instead of a cigarette.
• Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. Do this 10 times. Hold the last inhale and light a match. As you exhale slowly, blow out the match and crush it in an ashtray.

Many people find that nicotine replacement products (patches, gum, lozenges, nasal spray and inhaler) really help. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this is right for you. Research shows that people who use nicotine products do better at quitting then people who don't.

Also, the antidepressant buproprion, which does not contain nicotine, helps relieve withdrawal symptoms.

For one-on-one help with quitting, call the National Cancer Institute's Smoking Quitline toll-free at 1-877-448-7848. Ask for a free copy of "Clearing the Air: Quit Smoking Today," an NCI publication that provides tips on quitting. For quitting information online, go to www.smokefree.gov.

Q: My family members and friends are caring for me during my cancer treatment. How can I make their job easier?

A: You are thoughtful to consider others during this difficult time in your life. Here are some ways you can help your caregivers:

• Build a caregiver team. This way, you will have more than one or two people to help with routine tasks, such as washing your hair, driving you to the doctor's office, and running errands.
• Keep your caregivers informed. Give them a list of important phone numbers and the drugs you take. Make sure they know where to find your insurance policies, living will, and other important papers. Ask your doctor or nurse to talk with the one or two people who help you the most.
• Call your hospital, library, or place of worship for information about local resources that can help you and your caregivers. These resources may include respite care (volunteers care for you while your caregiver takes time off) and home care (skilled nursing care or other help in your home).
• Encourage your caregivers to take time off. Talk with them about joining a caregiver support group or seeking professional counseling if they need it.
• Show that you care. Try to keep your sense of humor. Remember to say "thank you." Let your caregivers know that you value their help, support and love.

Q: My dad no longer responds to his cancer treatment. His doctor has recommended hospice care. Is this covered by health insurance?

A: If your father is elderly or disabled, he may qualify for Medicare. Medicare, the federal health insurance program, pays almost the entire cost of care from Medicare-certified hospice programs.

For locations of Medicare-certified hospice programs, call your state health department or the toll-free Medicare Hotline at 1-800-633-4227. Deaf and hard-of-hearing callers with TTY equipment may call 1-877-486-2048. For online Medicare information, go to www.medicare.gov.

Many individual and employer health insurance plans cover some hospice expenses. Information on what your dad's plan covers is available from his insurance company or human resources department at work. Your hospital or hospice social worker also may have some information.

Medicaid may also provide assistance. Medicaid is the federal health insurance program for people who need financial help with medical expenses but who do not qualify for Medicare. For information about Medicaid services, call your local state welfare office, state public health department, state social services agency, or state Medicaid office.

In addition, local civic, charitable and religious groups may help with hospice expenses.

Medical costs not covered by insurance are sometimes tax-deductible.

Q: Every year, I try to keep our diet healthy during the holidays, but my family loves our high-fat traditions. What can I do?

A: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommends that people limit high-fat foods and eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Here are some easy, fun ways to follow these recommendations and still keep your family happy during the holidays.

• For breakfast, add strawberries, blueberries or bananas to waffles, pancakes or cereal. Or mix a chopped apple with lean ground turkey, season with sage and rosemary, and shape into breakfast sausage patties.
• Keep fresh or dried fruit and raw veggies handy for snacking.
• Serve a tossed salad with beans or crunchy sprouts before meals. If your family loves sweets, add chopped apples or raisins.
• Instead of a high-fat sweet potato casserole, try tasty low-fat sweet potato fries. Dip slices of sweet potato into a mixture of egg substitute and nutmeg. Bake on a lightly greased pan in a 425° oven for 20 minutes.
• If your family insists on a traditional high-fat dish, serve at least two low-fat vegetable dishes with it.
• Offer baked apples or pears for dessert.

The National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service (CIS) is one of the country’s most trusted resources. Ask the CIS is distributed by the Mid South CIS, which serves Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Call the CIS toll-free at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.