Smoking cessation — CCFP MCQ
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Correct answer: E — Offer behavioural support plus pharmacotherapy (e.g. varenicline or nicotine replacement), tailored to preferences and contraindications
Option E is correct because Canadian authorities (CTFPHC 2025) recommend offering both behavioural support and pharmacotherapy for all adults who smoke, including those with well-managed depression. Pharmacological aids (varenicline, NRT) improve quit rates, and depression is not a contraindication if stable. Option A is incorrect as unaided attempts have already failed and are inferior to supported strategies. Option C is wrong: depression on stable therapy is not a contraindication, but monitoring is advisable. Option D has no evidence for cessation and could foster antibiotic overuse. Option B is incorrect as switching to cigars does not reduce—and may increase—overall health risk.
Reference: Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. Recommendations on interventions for tobacco smoking cessation in adults in Canada. CMAJ 2025;197(28):E846–E861. https://www.cmaj.ca/content/197/28/E846