Nunavut
Smoking cessation in cancer care
Access to smoking cessation supports in cancer care settings in 2022-23
- Qikiqtani General Hospital* has not yet implemented a smoking cessation program for people with cancer. However, the Government of Nunavut Tobacco and Cannabis Program provides people returning to Nunavut from cancer centres outside of the territory with culturally appropriate educational information about cancer and smoking cessation and referrals for cessation services in communities and via the Quitline.
- People registered with the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (NIHB) are eligible to receive free smoking cessation medications. Residents not covered under any other benefit program can receive free smoking cessation medications through the Extended Health Benefits Program.
Smoking cessation in cancer care implementation level in 2022-23: SILVER
| Quality dimension | Implementation criteria met | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Behavioural counselling | Offers 3A (Ask, Advise, Act) or 5A (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange) model | BRONZE |
| Pharmacotherapy | Offers free varenicline, bupropion and/or nicotine replacement therapy | GOLD |
| Person-centred | Engages people with cancer in program planning | BRONZE |
| Culturally competent | Offers staff cultural competency training and resources for people with cancer | SILVER |
| Partnership | Assembled a multi-disciplinary team | BRONZE |
| Indicator measurement and reporting | Developing tools and infrastructure to track program performance and collect data | PRE-IMPLEMENTATION |
Impact of funded project (2019-21)
- Building on a previously funded planning project, funding and support enabled the Government of Nunavut to begin the process of hiring a dedicated staff member at Qikiqtani General Hospital to oversee a commercial tobacco cessation program. This program would systematize the identification of people with cancer who use commercial tobacco, provide support and follow-up, and training to health care providers.
- Due to pressures of COVID-19 on staff capacity, the project was put on hold.
*All Nunavummiut with cancer receive care at cancer centres in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta or the Northwest Territories, depending on where they reside, and have access to smoking cessation supports in those cancer care settings.