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A recent comprehensive study conducted by researchers from the University of New South Wales has unveiled concerning evidence that vaping may be a significant contributor to lung and oral cancers. This investigation, published in the journal *Carcinogenesis*, highlights early biological changes associated with cancer risk in individuals who use e-cigarettes. The findings call for immediate action from regulators to address the potential dangers of vaping, rather than waiting decades for conclusive evidence.
Vaping and Cancer: The Emerging Evidence
As vaping has surged in popularity, so too have concerns about its health implications. The study analysed numerous sources of evidence from animal research, human case reports, and laboratory studies spanning from 2017 to 2025. Co-author Adjunct Professor Bernard Stewart emphasised that there is substantial evidence indicating that the cells and tissues in the oral cavity and lungs are adversely affected by the inhalation of e-cigarette vapour.
Despite the relatively recent emergence of e-cigarettes in the early 2000s, the lack of long-term data on large populations complicates efforts to quantify the precise cancer risk associated with vaping. Many individuals who vape also smoke traditional cigarettes, which muddies the waters further when attempting to isolate the effects of vaping alone.
Key Findings: Biological Changes and Case Reports
The researchers identified early warning signs in the body that are closely linked to cancer. These include DNA damage and inflammation, which are precursors to the disease. While the study did not quantify how many individuals might develop cancer from vaping, it established that e-cigarettes induce biological changes known to lead to cancer.
Interestingly, the review included several case reports from dental professionals who observed instances of oral cancer in patients who had exclusively vaped and had never smoked cigarettes. The team also referenced animal studies, including a notable finding where mice exposed to e-cigarette vapour developed lung tumours at a higher rate than those that were not exposed. However, it is crucial to note that animal study results do not always directly apply to humans.
The Call for Regulatory Action
Lead author Associate Professor Freddy Sitas pointed out that it took a century for the medical community to definitively link smoking to lung cancer, following years of emerging evidence. The concern among researchers is that history may repeat itself with vaping if policymakers do not heed the emerging research and warnings now.
Calvin Cochran, a research fellow at the University of Otago, stressed the importance of taking this evidence seriously. “We risk repeating that same fate with vaping if we don’t take emerging research and warning signs seriously,” he said. He cautioned against assuming that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking, given the accumulating data on its potential risks.
The Importance of Comprehensive Evidence
Despite some experts cautioning against equating the risks of vaping to those of smoking, Stewart argued that vaping should be evaluated independently for its potential to cause cancer. Several researchers, including Professor Becky Freeman from the University of Sydney, noted that this study is groundbreaking in asserting that vaping likely increases cancer risk compared to non-users.
Freeman added that the findings are particularly relevant for young people who have never smoked, reinforcing the idea that vaping is not a safe alternative for non-smokers. She supported existing Australian regulations that restrict vape sales to pharmacies for smoking cessation purposes, emphasising the need to prevent youth from accessing vaping products while allowing controlled access for those seeking to quit smoking.
Why it Matters
The implications of this research are profound, particularly as vaping continues to gain traction among younger demographics. With mounting evidence suggesting that e-cigarettes pose significant health risks, there is an urgent need for regulatory bodies to act decisively. Protecting public health, especially among vulnerable populations like children and non-smokers, is paramount. As society grapples with the long-term consequences of vaping, it is clear that the time for action is now, ensuring that the lessons learned from tobacco use are not forgotten in the face of new alternatives.
