Thoracic surgeons and tobacco: past failures and present opportunity.

Abstract

Thoracic surgeons play a major role in the treatment of tobacco-caused disease. Historically, thoracic surgeons have been committed investigators of tobacco-caused disease and activists for tobacco control reform. This editorial reviews and comments on the current activity of American thoracic surgeons, thoracic surgical societies, and journals in these areas. Thoracic surgeons have been remiss in their individual and collective public health responsibility to inform the public and advocate tobacco control reforms. We must commit to a more energetic effort.