Research from the World Health Organisation suggests that intervention by nurses increases the likelihood of a patient giving up smoking by 28% [1].

To help nurses prevent tobacco use in their local communities, ecancer has launched a series of free online education modules (www.ecancer.org/education). 

The modules are available in 6 different languages; Czech, English, Romanian, Polish, Russian and Hungarian and have been tailored to suit nurses in each of these different cultures. 

Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death globally and is currently responsible for killing one in 10 adults worldwide. 

Quitting tobacco use is not easy, but nurses can play a vital role in supporting those that wish to try and stop.   

ecancer and the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC) have developed online educational modules to explain the importance of tobacco cessation and advise nurses on the most effective way of supporting patients.

Dr Linda Sarna, RN, PhD, FAAN, University of California at Los Angeles, who helped develop the content of the modules commented, ‘This train-the-trainer workshop delivered by Czech nurses is one example of the many ways that nurses can make a difference and reduce cancer.  These modules can be accessed from any computer and has been translated to six languages.  This program is a valuable resource in providing nurses with the knowledge and skills to help smokers quit’.

Dr Stella Aguinaga Bialous, RN, DrPH, of Tobacco Policy International comments, ‘We want nurses to directly influence the numbers of people that stop smoking.  This is one of the ways they can help with the fight against tobacco and with growing online access this program could reach thousands of nurses.

All the education modules are accredited by the European Oncology Nursing Society. The project was funded by the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation’s Bridging Cancer Care programme which aims to eliminate disparities in cancer care between Central and Eastern Europe and EU 15 countries by building healthcare worker capacity, training healthcare workers and increasing patient awareness, screening and treatment.

1. World Health Organisation, World No Tobacco Day: www.who.int/tobacco/wntd