The Evolving Global Tobacco Epidemic
November 16, 2020 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
CGH Branch Chief Dr. Mark Parascandola served as the keynote speaker of the Fred Hutch Global Oncology Virtual Lecture Series and presented “The Evolving Global Tobacco Epidemic.” While tobacco use is declining in most high-income countries, the burden is shifting to low- and middle-income countries where over 80% of tobacco users now reside. Smoking prevalence remains comparatively low in some regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, but is projected to increase with increased economic development and tobacco industry marketing. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) has provided a legal mechanism to advance evidence-based tobacco control policies in countries around the world. However, implementation of the FCTC remains far from complete. The global tobacco epidemic continues to pose a critical public health challenge in the face of changing circumstances, including the introduction of e-cigarettes and the COVID pandemic.