TAMPA, Fla. (July 11, 2016) - The use of electronic cigarettes ("e-cigarettes") has increased dramatically in recent years. The majority of new "vapers" were already cigarette smokers. To date, little is known about how e-cigarette use changes over time or how it affects the use of traditional cigarettes. Such information would be valuable for understanding the long-term impact of e-cigarettes and for determining whether e-cigarettes help or hinder smoking cessation.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Moffitt Cancer Center a research grant to study changes in traditional cigarette and e-cigarette use over time among individuals who are currently using both products. Project EASE (E-cigarette And Smoking Evaluation) is a nationwide study that will follow 2,500 participants for two years to measure their behaviors and attitudes regarding cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Participants will complete brief surveys at three-month intervals.
"Electronic cigarettes have already changed the world of nicotine and tobacco use, and the research is still catching up," said Thomas H. Brandon, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior and director of the Tobacco Research and Intervention Program at Moffitt. "Consequently, much of the advice offered on the topic of vaping is based on opinion and conjecture rather than evidence. This study is designed to provide the public health and medical communities with the data they need in order to give the best advice to smokers and vapers."
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About Moffitt Cancer Center
Moffitt is dedicated to one lifesaving mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. One of the three largest cancer centers in the United States based on patient volume, the Tampa-based facility is one of only 47 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt's excellence in research, its contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt is the top-ranked cancer hospital in Florida and has been listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of the "Best Hospitals" for cancer care since 1999. Moffitt devotes more than 2 million square feet to research and patient care. With more than 5,000 team members, Moffitt has an economic impact in the state of $1.9 billion. For more information, call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-888-663-3488), visit MOFFITT.org , and follow the Moffitt momentum on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
People who smoke and vape who are interested in learning more about participating in the nationwide study can visit ProjectEASE.Moffitt.org or call 1-877-954-2548.