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Tobacco cessation and control a decade later: American Society of Clinical Oncology policy statement update
The American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has updated its tobacco policy statement. The updated tobacco policy statement builds on the 2003 ASCO policy statement that sets forth specific recommendations in eradicating tobacco use domestically and globally. Key principles of the updated statement include: the healthcare professional’s responsibility to address consequences of tobacco use and encourage cessation; ASCO’s commitment to providing oncology professionals with evidence and information needed to successfully integrate tobacco cessation into practice; and a reaffirmed mission to eliminate the growth and persistence of tobacco use. Click here to view the full policy statement in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Effects of the economic crisis on smoking prevalence and number of smokers in the USA
A recent study in Tobacco Control examines the effects of the 2007-2008 US economic crisis on smoking prevalence and number of smokers. Using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data from 2005-2007 (pre-crisis) and 2009-2010 (post-crisis), researchers measured changes in the number of smokers across different employment statuses among 1,981,607 adults. Study findings showed no significant changes in smoking prevalence from pre-crisis to post-crisis, indicating the 2008 financial crisis had a weak effect on overall smoking prevalence among U.S. adults. However, an analysis by employment status revealed that a reduction in smoking among the employed was offset by an increase among unemployed individuals. The relationship between unemployment and smoking suggests more tailored public health interventions are needed for an unemployed population during times of economic crisis. Click here to view the study abstract.

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