USC scientist honored for research into cancer-causing behaviors

Adam Leventhal, PhD, professor of preventive medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, received the American Cancer Society’s Giants of Science Determination Award Oct. 18 in Beverly Hills for his novel research of the causes, consequences, treatment and prevention of tobacco use and other cancer-causing behaviors. The recognition is bestowed annually to recognize three local cancer researchers’ lifesaving work and breakthroughs.
An addiction psychologist with expertise in the epidemiology and psychopharmacology of tobacco use and other addictive or health-damaging behaviors, Leventhal directs of the USC Health, Emotion, & Addiction Laboratory in the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences. His work on adolescent electronic cigarette use provided critical evidence to federal policymakers to enact regulations to protect youth from tobacco products.
The American Cancer Society is the nation’s largest not-for-profit investor in cancer research, second only to the federal government. Since 1946, it has raised more than $4.6 billion dollars to support researchers, with $400 million invested nationally.
— by Larissa Puro

(Photo courtesy / American Cancer Society)