Tobacco leaf

Lung cancer, leading in cancer-related deaths, shows a global mortality decrease of 8% from 1990-2019, with tobacco use still a major cause. Air pollution and asbestos exposure are significant risks, with a call for enhanced public awareness, research, and tailored public health measures to address these evolving challenges.

Ethanol in alcohol causes cancer through four mechanisms: producing carcinogenic acetaldehyde, generating reactive oxygen species, altering hormone levels, and aiding absorption of other carcinogens. Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., linked to about 100,000 cases annually. The surgeon general emphasizes the need for updated alcohol consumption guidelines and cancer risk warnings.

Bickel established the International Quit & Recovery Registry at Virginia Tech, aiding scientific understanding of long-term recovery. The registry now includes over 10,000 participants from 60 countries. Bickel also developed the Experimental Tobacco Marketplace to study health behaviors influenced by policy. His legacy includes BEAM Diagnostics, a digital screening tool for behavioral health conditions. Bickel's career was marked by collaboration, mentorship, and numerous awards. Despite a terminal cancer diagnosis, he continued his research, co-authoring studies on addiction until his final months.

U.S. youth vaping drops to 5.9%, a significant decline from 7.7% in 2023, with high school students leading the decrease. Despite this progress, health experts warn of ongoing industry efforts to target youth, emphasizing the need for strong regulation and public policies to protect young people from addictive tobacco products.