A: Because you want to give yourself the best chance of having a successful surgery and a smoother, quicker recovery.

We now know how to provide much more specific assistance with cessation and can dramatically increase the likelihood of your success. The appropriate use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is but one example.

Quitting is difficult and often takes multiple attempts. View these failed attempts as learning opportunities that can help you develop a stronger quitting plan (for example, try to figure out what triggers your cravings and if there are certain people or places you may need to avoid for a little while).

A specific date can provide the motivation some people need to quit. Use the date of your surgery as that motivation, and begin “fasting” from smoking/vaping with the assistance of NRT. Remind yourself that a healthier you awaits at the end of this challenge.

A: Yes. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is among the most effective. Use one patch for each pack of cigarettes you smoke each day, apply in the morning and supplement with gum or spray if cravings become prominent. If you’re a vaper, begin with one patch and increase if your cravings aren’t addressed; supplement with gum, lozenge or spray if necessary.  

No matter how much NRT you use, you will never equal the amount of nicotine that is delivered by smoking or vaping!

NRT is available without a prescription as a patch, gum or inhaler (trade names include “Habitrol,” “Nicoderm,” and “Nicorette”). Other medications can also be highly effective but may require a prescription (e.g. varenicline). Please speak with your health-care team for more information. 

You may also want to explore cytisine, a natural, Health Canada-approved product that has also demonstrated effectiveness in supporting cessation and does not require a prescription. You can learn a bit more about this option here.

A: Yes, that can be a great option to control cravings.

A:  A 20I9 research review found “…insufficient evidence to determine whether hypnotherapy is more effective for smoking cessation than other forms of behavioural support or unassisted quitting,” while a similar 2026 research review on acupuncture found: “...the evidence  for acupuncture in smoking  cessation remains insufficient…” Additionally, a 2019 review and meta-analysis of 24 randomized controlled trials concluded, “Acupuncture combined with counseling, educational smoking cessation program or moxibustion was more effective than acupuncture as monotherapy with regard to long-term smoking cessation.”

In short, on their own, neither technique will likely help you quit. However, if you believe that these methods may help you, and you have been unable to stop without some support, then there is no harm in trying them.

A: Having cancer is another reason to quit, as smoking/vaping reduces the ability of blood cells to fight infection, making it harder for your body to heal. Recovery from your surgery, regardless of whether it is for cancer treatment or not, will be smoother if you stop smoking/vaping.

A: Run by the Canadian Cancer Society, it is a 24/7 resource hub for getting and staying smoke-free. It can pair you with a Smokers’ Helpline Quit Coach who will work one-on-one with you to create a personal quitting plan, discuss how to manage cravings, find local support, and even call you if you want. It also offers other forms of resources and supports.