Using wearable technology to help cancer survivors quit smoking
Official title: ASHES: Assessing Smoking BeHavior with ThErmal Sensing to Prevent Relapse
Funded at Sensewhy, INC. · NIH-11069872 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special device can help cancer survivors keep track of their smoking habits and avoid going back to smoking, by providing real-time support and understanding what triggers their cravings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sensewhy, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $399,891 |
| NIH project number | 1R43CA298750-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11069872 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer survivors who currently smoke and are seeking support to quit.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never smoked or those who are not cancer survivors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how wearable technology can monitor smoking behavior in cancer survivors to help prevent relapse. By using a device called SmokeMon, which unobtrusively tracks smoking habits, the study aims to gather real-time data on smoking triggers and motivations. Participants will also use a smartphone app to report their experiences, allowing researchers to provide timely support and interventions. The goal is to improve smoking cessation outcomes for cancer survivors who are at high risk of relapse.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance smoking cessation efforts for cancer survivors, reducing their risk of cancer recurrence and improving overall health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using technology for smoking cessation, but this specific approach integrating wearable devices and real-time feedback is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Sensewhy, INC.
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pedram, Mahdi — Sensewhy, INC.
- Study coordinator: Pedram, Mahdi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving Sleep to Help People Stop Smoking
This project explores how improving sleep with therapy might help people who smoke quit by boosting their mood and self-control.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.