News

As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting health awareness and disease prevention, and under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aziz, Director of the Institute and Chairman of the Board, the Department of Public Health, headed and supervised by Prof. Dr. Hanan Ali Sayed, organized a scientific lecture titled “Counseling and Smoking Cessation.” The lecture was delivered by Dr. Heba Lotfy, Lecturer of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University. 

During the session, Dr. Heba Lotfy reviewed the history of global anti-smoking programs, explaining that such efforts have been underway for over two decades. She noted that most countries around the world now have established programs and legislations aimed at reducing the prevalence of smoking and protecting individuals from its health and social harms. She emphasized that smoking remains one of the most dangerous non-natural habits, leading to chronic diseases such as heart disease, atherosclerosis, lung cancer, infertility, and premature aging. Despite growing public awareness of its dangers, more than eight million people die annually from smoking-related causes, and about 20% of adults worldwide continue to smoke. 

Dr. Lotfy highlighted the importance of using appropriate and respectful language when communicating with smokers, stressing the need to adopt a positive, empathetic, and evidence-based approach rather than one of blame or condemnation. She clarified that medical counseling is not a mere piece of advice, but rather a structured process of communication between the physician and the patient that aims to motivate smoking cessation, provide scientific and psychological support, and establish a continuous follow-up relationship that enhances the chances of success. 

She explained that counseling can take several forms, including brief counseling sessions lasting three to five minutes provided in general clinics, and intensive counseling conducted in specialized clinics as part of a comprehensive smoking cessation plan. Dr. Lotfy also discussed the five stages of counseling that smokers typically go through during their quitting journey: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. She emphasized that the role of the physician and medical team in each stage requires deep understanding, empathy, and continuous support to help patients overcome relapses and withdrawal symptoms. 

She further underlined the importance of psychological and behavioral support, which includes individual and group sessions that help patients manage stress and pressure, along with the use of nicotine replacement therapies and antidepressants to ease withdrawal symptoms. Dr. Lotfy stressed that relapse does not signify failure, but is rather a normal part of the behavioral change process. It should be addressed by analyzing the underlying causes and developing a new plan tailored to the patient’s circumstances to re-motivate them toward continued abstinence. 

At the conclusion of the lecture, she acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of Health’s Smoking Cessation Clinics, which provide free services and telephone support programs, as well as national awareness campaigns in collaboration with the World Health Organization. She also highlighted the crucial role of the media in raising public awareness about the dangers of smoking through continuous educational campaigns targeting schools, universities, and social media platforms—helping to build a more conscious and healthier generation. 

In his statement, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aziz affirmed that combating smoking is not merely an individual choice, but a national and societal responsibility. He emphasized that the Institute gives special attention to implementing educational and scientific initiatives that promote healthy behaviors and reduce the burden of chronic diseases associated with smoking. 

He added that Theodor Bilharz Research Institute believes that medical counseling is the cornerstone of health behavior change, and that science and awareness are the safest path toward a smoke-free society. Dr. Abdel Aziz concluded by noting that quitting smoking is not a momentary decision, but a journey of awareness and transformationguided by knowledge, support, and counseling—affirming the Institute’s commitment to being a genuine partner in this journey toward a healthier, smoke-free life.