Mindfulness for Smoking Cessation
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to help people with cancer quit smoking using a mindfulness approach delivered through a smartphone app. Participants will either use the mindfulness app or receive standard care through Quitline, a smoking cessation service. The trial targets individuals diagnosed with cancer who have smoked within the last month and are eager to quit soon. Participants must have a smartphone and be willing to install the app. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative methods for smoking cessation.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial requires that you are not currently using smoking cessation medications. Other medications are not mentioned, so it's unclear if you need to stop them.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has extensively studied the use of mindfulness to help people quit smoking. However, these studies have not found strong evidence that mindfulness aids in quitting smoking or improves mental health. Mindfulness practices are generally safe and well-tolerated, with no major reports of negative effects. While mindfulness might not significantly enhance quitting success, it remains safe for participants to try.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using mindfulness for smoking cessation because it offers a unique approach compared to traditional methods like nicotine replacement therapy and behavioral counseling. Mindfulness helps individuals become more aware of their cravings and reactions, allowing them to manage urges without immediately reaching for a cigarette. This technique is often delivered through a mobile app, making it easily accessible and convenient for users to integrate into their daily lives. Unlike standard treatments that primarily target the physical aspects of addiction, mindfulness focuses on the psychological elements, potentially leading to a more holistic approach to quitting smoking.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for smoking cessation?
This trial will compare mindfulness therapy with standard care for smoking cessation. Research has shown that mindfulness therapy can help people break the link between cravings and smoking. However, some studies have not found strong evidence of its effectiveness for quitting smoking. For instance, one study did not show significant improvements in quitting rates or reducing the number of cigarettes compared to other methods. While mindfulness might help some individuals, results can vary. Thus, although mindfulness has potential, the evidence remains inconclusive.13567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Min-Jeong Yang, PhD
Principal Investigator
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adult cancer survivors who smoke at least one cigarette a day, are motivated to quit within the next month, have a smartphone, and can communicate in English. It's not for those using cessation meds, pregnant or lactating individuals, people with psychosis, or anyone in another quit-smoking program.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive brief counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and intervention content delivered via the app
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Mindfulness
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator