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Recent research conducted by Australian scientists has revealed significant evidence suggesting that vaping may contribute to the development of lung and oral cancers. The findings, which underscore early biological changes indicative of cancer risk, have prompted calls for immediate regulatory measures rather than waiting for long-term data to emerge.
Overview of the Findings
A comprehensive review led by the University of New South Wales in Sydney has synthesised evidence from a multitude of studies, including animal research and human case reports, published from 2017 to 2025. This analysis, featured in the journal *Carcinogenesis*, is one of the most thorough assessments of the carcinogenic potential of nicotine e-cigarettes to date.
The study’s co-author, Adjunct Professor Bernard Stewart, highlighted alarming early warning signals in the body linked to cancer risk, including DNA damage and inflammation. “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, emphasising the pressing need to understand these changes.
The Challenge of Definitive Risk Assessment
Despite the compelling evidence of biological changes, researchers face challenges in establishing a clear connection between vaping and cancer due to the relatively recent introduction of e-cigarettes in the early 2000s. Consequently, there is a lack of long-term data from a large population of vapers who have developed cancer. Furthermore, many individuals who use e-cigarettes also smoke traditional tobacco products, complicating efforts to isolate the effects of vaping.
The review did not provide a quantitative estimate of cancer risk associated with vaping. Instead, it focused on whether vaping induces the biological changes that typically precede cancer development. Notably, the review included case reports from dentists who observed oral cancers in individuals who only used e-cigarettes and had no history of smoking.
Evidence from Animal Studies
The analysis also incorporated findings from animal studies, with one notable piece of research indicating that mice exposed to e-cigarette vapour were more likely to develop lung tumours than their unexposed counterparts. While such results do not directly translate to human outcomes, they add weight to the argument that vaping could elevate cancer risk.
Lead author Associate Professor Freddy Sitas cautioned against complacency, drawing parallels with the historical reluctance to acknowledge smoking’s role in lung cancer until the US Surgeon General’s landmark report in 1964. “We risk repeating that same fate with vaping if we don’t take emerging research and warning signs seriously,” he warned.
The Need for Regulatory Action
Calvin Cochran, a research fellow at the University of Otago, reinforced the need for policymakers and health organisations to take this emerging evidence seriously. He stated, “Every study like this should be considered seriously by policymakers, governments, and health organisations.” The absence of a definitive moment to declare vaping as a cause of cancer means that proactive measures are essential to safeguard public health.
While past assumptions suggested vaping might serve as a safer alternative to smoking, the current research challenges this notion. Sitas noted the lack of effective cessation programmes for vaping, highlighting an urgent need for regulatory frameworks that protect vulnerable populations, particularly children.
Expert Opinions on Vaping Risks
Some experts, such as Professor Stephen Duffy from Queen Mary University London, cautioned against equating vaping with the dangers of smoking, as vaping does not involve the combustion products that are highly carcinogenic. However, Stewart argued that vaping should be evaluated independently for its potential to cause cancer, rather than merely compared to the risks associated with traditional cigarettes.
Professor Becky Freeman, a tobacco control researcher at the University of Sydney, stated that this study is pivotal in asserting that vaping likely increases cancer risk compared to non-vapers. She emphasised the implications for young people who have never used tobacco, advocating for stricter regulations that limit access to vaping products.
Why it Matters
The implications of this research are profound, particularly in light of the rising popularity of vaping among young people. As the evidence mounts regarding the potential health risks associated with e-cigarettes, it becomes increasingly critical for regulators to act decisively. The current study underscores the urgency of implementing robust policies that both restrict access to vaping products for youth and provide a regulated pathway for adult smokers seeking to quit. By prioritising public health over complacency, we can mitigate the potential long-term consequences of this emerging trend.
