IntroductionRecently, smartphone applications (apps) have been used as smoking cessation aids. Interactive apps appear to more effective than non-interactive apps. SmokeBeat, a smartphone app used in conjunction with a smartwatch, aims to detect smoking events, interact with the user as they occur and potentially stop smoking events before they occur in the future.AimsThe purpose of this feasibility study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of SmokeBeat in detecting smoking events.MethodsThe feasibility of using the app as a smoking cessation aid was tested over a 2-week period by daily, dependent smokers. SmokeBeat's cigarette detection rate was measured in laboratory sessions both before and after the 2-week period. Fisher's exact test was used to compare detection rates from each session.Results/FindingsThe detection rate was 22.5% during session 1 and 41.7% during session 2. Once technological issues were controlled for (i.e., signal loss between smartphone and smartwatch), SmokeBeat's detection rate improved over the 2-week period, resulting in a 100% detection rate.ConclusionsApps which can detect smoking events in real time present an opportunity for a proactive and interactive smoking cessation aid – a potentially useful tool for individuals attempting to quit smoking.

Background There is evidence of socioeconomic inequalities in cancer incidence in Canada and other countries globally, yet there is no study investigating socioeconomic inequalities in national cervical cancer incidence in Canada. Thus, the current study investigated income and education inequalities in the incidence of cervical cancer in Canada from 1992 to 2010. Methods Data were derived from a linked dataset that combined cervical cancer incidence from the Canadian Cancer Registry and demographic and socioeconomic information from the Canadian Census of Population and the National Household Survey. The Concentration index approach was used to measure income and education inequalities in the incidence of cervical cancer over time. Results National incidence of cervical cancer decreased significantly from 1992 to 2010. The age-standardized C was negative for the majority of years for both income and education inequalities, but the preponderance were not significant. Trend analyses of socioeconomic inequalities suggested an increasing concentration of cervical cancer incidence among less-educated females over the study period. Conclusions Over almost two decades, there were no pervasive socioeconomic inequalities in the incidence of cervical cancer in Canada. As such, policies aimed at reducing the incidence of cervical cancer should focus on the general population, irrespective of socioeconomic status.