Tobacco cessation and the role of ESMO and medical oncologists: addressing the specific needs of cancer patients in times of the COVID-19 pandemic

Tobacco kills more than 8 million people every year.1 There were an estimated 2.5 million cancer deaths attributable to smoking globally, representing 24.7% of all cancer-related deaths in 2019.2 Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer. Worldwide, ∼80% of male lung cancer deaths and 50% of female lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking.3 Tobacco use not only causes cancer but also can negatively impact cancer treatment toxicity and survival.4