A special issue on tobacco.

Tobacco use remains one of the greatest challenges to global health and is accepted as a major contributor to the rise in cancer incidence and mortality in the past century. Despite substantial knowledge about the harms conferred by tobacco in its various forms, recent changes in tobacco product development, marketing, and usage have changed the landscape in which tobacco research is operating. This month Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention (CEBP) is dedicating an entire issue to aid researchers and policymakers navigating the complex and changingworld of tobacco research. The special issuemarks amilestone for CEBP and the AACR, as it is the first time an entire issue has been dedicated to a single topic area. This emphasis reflects the continuing importance of tobacco-related research and the commitment of CEBP and the AACR to publish articles on tobacco-related cancer etiology, cancer prevention and control, and the eradication of tobacco use. This special issue on tobacco is comprised of two parts. First, we present a Focus section of invited review articles that represent the state of the art in tobacco research. As summarized in the accompanying editorial by Dr. Kenneth E. Warner, we highlight methodological issues related to tobacco research, including assessment of tobacco products and exposures, as well as strategies to reduce or eliminate tobacco use. These articles also