Recent research from Australia indicates that vaping may significantly elevate the risk of developing lung and oral cancers, raising urgent calls for regulatory intervention. The study, conducted by experts from the University of New South Wales, highlights concerning biological changes associated with e-cigarette use, including DNA damage and inflammation—both precursors to cancer.
Warning Signs of Carcinogenic Changes
The comprehensive review, published in the journal *Carcinogenesis*, synthesises findings from an extensive range of studies conducted between 2017 and 2025. Co-author Adjunct Professor Bernard Stewart asserts that the inhalation of e-cigarette vapour alters the cells and tissues in the oral cavity and lungs. “There is no doubt that the cells and tissues of the oral cavity, the mouth and the lungs are altered by inhalation from e-cigarettes,” he stated, underscoring the gravity of the findings.
The researchers did not estimate the exact number of individuals who could develop cancer from vaping, primarily due to a lack of long-term data from large populations. The modern e-cigarette was only introduced in the early 2000s, and many individuals who vape also smoke, complicating the ability to isolate the effects of vaping alone. Instead, the focus of the review was on identifying biological changes indicative of potential cancer risk.
Evidence from Case Reports and Animal Studies
While definitive long-term studies on humans remain scarce, the review included case reports from dental professionals who noted occurrences of oral cancer in individuals with no history of smoking but who had exclusively vaped. Moreover, animal studies revealed that mice exposed to e-cigarette vapour showed a higher incidence of lung tumours compared to their unexposed counterparts. Although these findings do not directly translate to human health risks, they raise significant concerns.
Lead author Associate Professor Freddy Sitas emphasised the need for a proactive approach to vaping regulation, drawing parallels with the historical delay in acknowledging the dangers of traditional smoking. “It took 100 years of emerging and growing evidence before the US Surgeon General recognised smoking as a cause of lung cancer in 1964,” he remarked.
The Call for Regulatory Action
Amidst these emerging concerns, Calvin Cochran, a research fellow at the University of Otago, stressed the necessity of responding to early warning signs. He cautioned against dismissing these findings, noting that “we risk repeating that same fate with vaping if we don’t take emerging research and warning signs seriously.” The implications extend beyond individual health, as policymakers, governments, and health organisations must consider the evidence carefully.
Sitas further cautioned against assuming that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking. “We’ve always assumed that vapes are safer than cigarettes, but what we’re showing is that they might not be safe after all,” he asserted. He highlighted the need for effective cessation strategies, noting that existing methods for quitting smoking may not be applicable to vaping.
The Debate on Vaping’s Harms
While some experts caution against equating the risks of vaping to those of smoking, as indicated by Professor Stephen Duffy of Queen Mary University London, the implications of the study cannot be overlooked. Duffy noted that vaping does not expose users to the combustion products associated with smoking, which are known to have severe carcinogenic effects. However, Stewart emphasised the importance of assessing the cancer risk of vapes independently, rather than merely in comparison to traditional smoking.
Professor Becky Freeman, a tobacco control researcher, reinforced the findings of the study as a critical warning, particularly for young people who have never smoked. “This study is the first to assert that there is likely an increased cancer risk for people who vape compared to people who do not vape,” she said. She advocated for stringent regulations that limit access to vaping products, particularly for youth, while ensuring that those seeking to quit smoking have access to tightly regulated alternatives.
Why it Matters
As the evidence mounts regarding the potential carcinogenicity of vaping, the urgency for regulatory action has never been more pronounced. Policymakers must respond to these findings with robust measures to protect public health, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children. Ignoring the emerging data could lead to a preventable public health crisis akin to the historical missteps associated with tobacco smoking. The study underscores that vaping, far from being a benign alternative, poses significant health risks that warrant immediate attention and action.
