APRIL 2010
The AACR calls for a renewed and concerted effort to combat the global tobacco epidemic
Citing indisputable evidence about the dangers of tobacco use, the AACR today issued an urgent call for immediate action to stem the global tide of tobacco-related death and suffering and to improve public health. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of premature death and is responsible for nearly a third of all cancer deaths.
The new policy statement, which was spearheaded by the AACR Task Force on Tobacco and Cancer, enumerates policy and research initiatives critical to overcoming the tobacco problem from the unique perspective of the AACR. The statement was published online today in advance of print publication in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.
The task force was formed last year to foster both scientific and policy initiatives aimed at radically reducing the incidence of tobacco use and its dramatic toll on human life. Roy S. Herbst, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the task force, explained, "The task force was convened to identify meaningful ways for the AACR to promote public awareness and further the research agenda. The AACR should play a major role in this issue from understanding the pathogenesis of cancer in relation to tobacco use, to developing evidence-based policies, to identifying strategies that will reduce and eliminate tobacco use."
"Every day that I work in the clinic with patients who already have lung cancer reinforces my belief that the best solution is to prevent cancer before it happens. The work of this AACR task force will undoubtedly make a difference, and I am honored to chair this effort," concluded Herbst, a practicing clinical oncologist.
A prestigious group of panelists, including members of the task force, will discuss the statement in detail next week at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 during a policy session entitled: “Integrating Science and Policy to Combat the Global Tobacco Epidemic." The session will take place on Tuesday, April 20, from 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. in room 201 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Roy S. Herbst is professor of medicine and section chief of thoracic medical oncology, Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston.
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