E-cigarette users invited to take part in cancer researchers’ online survey

Cancer researchers in Tampa, Florida, USA, have created an online survey to learn more about why smokers choose e-cigarettes, according to a Tampa Bay Online story.

The Moffitt Cancer Center researchers, in collaboration with those at USF (University of South Florida) Health, are looking to discover, too, how people use these devices and what they consider the advantages and disadvantages of e-cigarettes compared to regular cigarettes or products such as nicotine gum or patches.

“We are not taking any position on the value of e-cigarettes at this time,” Thomas H. Brandon, chair of the Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior at Moffitt, was quoted as saying in a statement. “It is premature to judge until more information is known.”

“While other researchers are studying the content and safety of the vapor inhaled by users,” he said, “Moffitt researchers wanted to better understand the perspective of the user.”

The online survey, which is at www.moffitt.or/ecig, is said to take about 15 minutes to complete. All responses are confidential, but some people who complete the survey will be invited to participate in a focus group about e-cigarettes.