Snuff Out Cigarettes For The Great American Smokeout

Main Category: Smoking / Quit Smoking
Article Date: 09 Nov 2007 - 6:00 PDT

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Are you contributing to the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States? You could be if you smoke. Smoking cigarettes and cigars is the most common cause of lung cancer, which kills more people than breast, prostate, colon, liver, kidney and melanoma cancers combined.

Each year, 438,000 Americans die of tobacco-related diseases. Kicking the habit can significantly reduce your risk of illness and death from tobacco-related causes. There's no better time to quit as the Great American Smokeout approaches on Nov. 15.

Research shows that smokers are most likely to quit when they have support. Moffitt Cancer Center is here to help. The Tobacco Research and Intervention Program (TRIP) is recruiting for two smoking cessation treatment studies through its FreshBreak™ program.

Dr. Thomas H. Brandon, Ph.D., TRIP director and professor at the University of South Florida, is leading an ongoing study that involves eight one-on-one counseling sessions, special training in resisting triggers to smoke, and an eight-week course of nicotine replacement patches. Participants, who will be compensated, must speak and read English. The American Cancer Society is sponsoring this research.

Dr. David Drobes, Ph.D., associate director of TRIP and associate professor at USF, is kick-starting a treatment program to study the role of physical activity on the quitting process. The study will involve four one-on-one counseling sessions and may include various types of exercise. Participants will be compensated. Moffitt's Integrative Medicine Program is sponsoring this research.

About Moffitt Cancer Center

Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center is the only Florida-based cancer center with the NCI designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center for its excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt currently has 15 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country's leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of "America's Best Hospitals" for cancer and ear, nose and throat. Moffitt's sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

http://www.moffitt.org