TBO.com : Moffitt researchers want to hear from e-cigarette users

[BuGlen]

Just saw this today and I'd like someone who knows more about the Moffitt Cancer Center and their affiliations to comment on whether or not this could be a good thing for our cause. In general, I've heard good things about the center, but I haven't done any research as to their ties to BP, ACA, ALA, or other organizations who have an agenda opposing e-cigs.

Moffitt researchers want to hear from e-cigarette users | Breaking Tampa Bay, Florida and national news and weather from Tampa Bay Online and The Tampa Tribune | TBO.com

 

[calico21]

Looks okay to start with, I don't know who the usf health org is. I'd look into that. They're wanting a perspective of why we chose pv's, which could be bad. If we say because we believe it's a healthy alternative have we opened the door for them to say it's a medicinal object giving the FDA more ammo?

 

[BuGlen]

Looks okay to start with, I don't know who the usf health org is. I'd look into that. They're wanting a perspective of why we chose pv's, which could be bad. If we say because we believe it's a healthy alternative have we opened the door for them to say it's a medicinal object giving the FDA more ammo?

USF is the University of South Florida, a major college located here in Tampa. I've heard they have a really good medical program, but since I didn't go to school there, I can't say first hand.

 

[calico21]

taking survey now: This question bothers me
In the past 30 days, have you used any of the following tobacco products? (Check all that apply)
Chewing tobacco Cigarillos
Snuff Pipe tobacco
Snus Hookah
Dissolvable tobacco Other:
Cigars None

[h=2] Do you read and/or participate in online forums that discuss e-cigarettes?
[/h]

• Yes
• No

[h=2] Would you also want assistance in helping you stop using e-cigarettes?

[/h]

• Yes, I would like assistance in quitting e-cigarettes
• No, I would not like assistance in quitting e-cigarettes

[h=2] Do you use your e-cigarette in any of the following places where smoking tobacco cigarettes is not allowed? (check all that apply)
[/h]

• Home
• Work
• Public places (e.g., restaurants, bars, casinos, airports, stores)
• I do not use e-cigarettes any place where smoking is not allowed
• Other:
  [h=2] Why did you start using e-cigarettes? (Check all that apply)
  [/h]
• To use them when I can’t smoke cigarettes (e.g., inside a restaurant)
• To help me quit smoking tobacco cigarettes
• To help me cut down the amount of tobacco cigarettes I smoke
• Because of health concerns associated with tobacco cigarettes
• I was curious about them
• Recommendations from family/friends
• Other:

 

[BuGlen]

taking survey now: This question bothers me
In the past 30 days, have you used any of the following tobacco products? (Check all that apply)
Chewing tobacco Cigarillos
Snuff Pipe tobacco
Snus Hookah
Dissolvable tobacco Other:
Cigars None

I completed the survey and even volunteered for a weekend focus group. That particular question didn't bother me since I'm in the 'None' category, but I'm curious as to why it raised a flag with you.

 

[AgentAnia]

FYI, here is Moffitt's home page: Home | Moffitt Cancer Center

Research and clinical trials page: Research | moffitt.org

Tobacco Research and Intervention Program: Tobacco Research and Intervention Program | moffitt.org

On that last page they link to:

Tobacco Related Resources
•(ACS) American Cancer Society
•(ALA) American Lung Association
•Quitting Smoking, Smoking Prevention -from the National Cancer Institute
•Foundation for a Smokefree America -an anti-smoking organization
•(NCI) National Cancer Institute
•Florida Tobacco Prevention Program -links to other Florida-focused, tobacco-related Web sites
•Tobacco Week -tobacco control news and information
•Tobacco-Free Kids -information about smoking and kids
•Tobacco Information and Prevention Source -comprehensive tobacco site from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
•The QuitNet -online quitting support and information
•Virtual Office of the Surgeon General -Tobacco Cessation Guideline

 

[BuGlen]

Just as a follow up, I did complete the survey and I didn't find any of the questions particularly leading, even if some didn't have sufficient response choices for those of us who know better. I would still like to get more opinions from others, especially from those who have insight into Moffitt and their potential association (current or history) with ANTZ or other e-cig opponents.

 

[calico21]

The first question if you type in e-cig in other spot are you implying you're using a tobacco product, which we are trying not to be lumped into. I also put none, but some may inadvertently type it in.

Call me paranoid, I found a lot of it leading, because they are looking for something. It's the what I'm worried about.

 

[AgentAnia]

I completed the survey and even volunteered for a weekend focus group. That particular question didn't bother me since I'm in the 'None' category, but I'm curious as to why it raised a flag with you.

I won't be taking the survey; judging by the links they offer to ANTZ-like groups, I don't trust their motives. But you go, Bu! I would be *very* happy knowing you were participating in their focus group!

 

[BuGlen]

FYI, here is Moffitt's home page: Home | Moffitt Cancer Center

Research and clinical trials page: Research | moffitt.org

Tobacco Research and Intervention Program: Tobacco Research and Intervention Program | moffitt.org

On that last page they link to:

Tobacco Related Resources
•(ACS) American Cancer Society
•(ALA) American Lung Association
•Quitting Smoking, Smoking Prevention -from the National Cancer Institute
•Foundation for a Smokefree America -an anti-smoking organization
•(NCI) National Cancer Institute
•Florida Tobacco Prevention Program -links to other Florida-focused, tobacco-related Web sites
•Tobacco Week -tobacco control news and information
•Tobacco-Free Kids -information about smoking and kids
•Tobacco Information and Prevention Source -comprehensive tobacco site from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
•The QuitNet -online quitting support and information
•Virtual Office of the Surgeon General -Tobacco Cessation Guideline

I think that's a good first step to identifying potential malicious use of the data obtained by the survey, but is it really enough to condemn it? To me, it makes sense (being a cancer research center) that they would list most of those current resources as "additional information". I think it would be more telling to find out the financial ties between Moffitt and e-cig opponents.

 

[BuGlen]

I won't be taking the survey; judging by the links they offer to ANTZ-like groups, I don't trust their motives. But you go, Bu! I would be *very* happy knowing you were participating in their focus group!

Thank you! I very much appreciate the vote of confidence.

 

[AgentAnia]

I think that's a good first step to identifying potential malicious use of the data obtained by the survey, but is it really enough to condemn it? To me, it makes sense (being a cancer research center) that they would list most of those current resources as "additional information". I think it would be more telling to find out the financial ties between Moffitt and e-cig opponents.

FYI Part deux:

Annual Reports and Financial Information | moffitt.org
Financial Information | moffitt.org

I put this stuff out here "for your information" only, not to pass judgment (though have to admit I did add the bolding to those links... and I did say I didn't trust them.... so never mind... Mi judgment, however, may not be su judgment... going for a vape break now....

 

[BuGlen]

FYI Part deux:

Annual Reports and Financial Information | moffitt.org
Financial Information | moffitt.org

I put this stuff out here "for your information" only, not to pass judgment (though have to admit I did add the bolding to those links... and I did say I didn't trust them.... so never mind... Mi judgment, however, may not be su judgment... going for a vape break now....

From the links you provided, I couldn't find any funding source information, but my search continues. I did find a funding source that is suspect from the ACS, given some of the irrational statements they have made or supported about e-cigs:
Moffitt ACS-IRG Program | moffitt.org

Still don't know if this is condemning, but it does give cause for serious consideration.

 

[Orb Skewer]

From the website

"..........Networking, team building and corporate days out on our flotilla of 'Douche-Canoes' are always praised"

 

[AgentAnia]

From the website

"..........Networking, team building and corporate days out on our flotilla of 'Douche-Canoes' are always praised"

.....

 

[DC2]

That article doesn't provide a link to the survey, it just notes the web address: www.moffitt.or/ecig
I tried that and it didn't work for me.

 

[BuGlen]

That article doesn't provide a link to the survey, it just notes the web address: www.moffitt.or/ecig
I tried that and it didn't work for me.

It's supposed to be www.moffitt.org/ecig, they misspelled the domain name.

 

[Grammie]

If they would add some links to tobacco harm reduction and CASAA they might get more participation. Otherwise, with the list of links presented here they will get nothing from me ever.

 

[DC2]

If they would add some links to tobacco harm reduction and CASAA they might get more participation. Otherwise, with the list of links presented here they will get nothing from me ever.

How about sending them a message?

It seems from the references you list that you are closely aligned with the nicotine prohibitionists.
As such, I have no desire to participate in your survey.

If you had a link to CASAA I might trust that your intentions were at least somewhat honest.

 

[Mike Sheda]

I just took the survey. Seemed to be worded fairly neutral. My GF works for the Moffitt Foundation (the money raising side to pay for research and treatment). My mother and sister also when through their medical side. My mother is a Breast Cancer survivor after a RM in 1999. My sister passed away 6 years ago from Cervical Cancer, but they found it too late. Overall I think Moffitt is a good organization that tries what they can for their patients. IF we can get them to come out in favor of E-Cigs, or as an approved method of NRT, it would really help us all.