The health effects of tobacco are well known, but the specific role of nicotine is less well understood. This is particularly important given the recent growth in e-cigarette use. In addition, little is known about the role of smoking in cancer progression.

We use Mendelian randomisation to explore the causal effects of nicotine on cancer outcomes. Our work also explores the effects of smoking - and the benefits of smoking cessation - on cancer progression.

We plan to develop interventions to support smoking cessation and prevent relapse.

This theme is co-chaired by Jasmine Khouja and Angela Attwood.