Some Australian doctors have admitted to postponing the treatment of patients who smoke, while some doctors in the UK refuse to even see patients who won’t quit their cigarettes. According to Vascular surgeon Zahid Reza, from the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, ‘Evidence shows that they would not do well with the treatment. In around 80% of cases, a smoker’s condition will improve just simply by stopping smoking and making other lifestyle changes.” According to Australian and New Zealand Society of Vascular Surgeons’ President, Dr John Quinn, Australian doctors would not refuse to see a patient, but “some are refused immediate treatment. As surgeons we have the right not to treat in certain circumstances like obesity or smoking, if the patient doesn’t change behaviour.” It’s certainly true that smokers usually have a poorer outcome from surgery, and are at greater risk of complications. But heavy smoking is an addiction, and addictions can be extremely difficult to overcome; whether it’s cigarettes, alcohol, sugar or gambling. Being told to “just stop doing it” isn’t likely to be effective. Imagine if a dentist refused to treat children who won’t stop eating sugar. What do you think?   Reference