Vaping Likely Causes Lung and Oral Cancer, Comprehensive Review Finds

A recent comprehensive review led by researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has concluded that nicotine-based vapes, or e-cigarettes, are likely to cause lung and oral cancers. This assessment is based on an analysis of over 100 studies published between 2017 and 2025, which included human case reports, animal studies, and laboratory research. The review highlights significant biological changes in users, such as DNA damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation, which are known precursors to cancer.

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The review categorized the evidence into three main groups: human studies showing biomarkers of DNA damage and inflammation; experimental studies in mice demonstrating lung tumors from vape aerosol exposure; and laboratory analyses revealing cellular damage from the chemicals in vape liquids. Notably, case reports indicated aggressive oral cancers in individuals who exclusively vaped and had no other traditional risk factors, reinforcing concerns about the carcinogenic potential of vaping.

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Historically, research on vaping often compared its risks to those of smoking, leading to a perception that vaping was a safer alternative. However, the recent review marks a significant shift in this narrative. Between 2017 and 2019, many studies concluded there was insufficient evidence to link vaping to cancer. By 2024 and 2025, researchers increasingly expressed concern, stating that the notion of vaping being less harmful than smoking could no longer be supported.

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Lead author Bernard Stewart emphasized the urgency of addressing vaping's health risks, stating, “Vaping is to be avoided as hazardous in its own right.” He noted that the review provides "by far the strongest evidence" linking vaping to cancer. Co-author Freddy Sitas cautioned against repeating historical mistakes made with smoking, urging regulators to act promptly: “We should not wait another 80 years to decide what to do.”

LADbible

While the review presents compelling evidence, some experts caution against overinterpretation. Professor Stephen Duffy from Queen Mary University London argued that vaping does not involve exposure to the combustion products found in smoking, which have significant carcinogenic effects. Nonetheless, the consensus among many researchers is that vaping poses serious health risks that warrant immediate regulatory action.

The Guardian

The researchers call for large-scale, long-term studies to definitively quantify the cancer risk associated with vaping. They stress the importance of monitoring and early detection of cancer in populations that exclusively vape, as current data is insufficient to determine the exact burden of cancer attributable to vaping. The review aims to inform public health policies and regulations to mitigate the risks associated with vaping, especially among young people who have never smoked.

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• “Considering all the findings – from clinical monitoring, animal studies, and mechanistic data – e-cigarettes are likely to cause lung cancer and oral cancer.” — Bernard Stewart, Cancer Researcher, UNSW

ScienceAlert

• “E-cigarettes were introduced about 20 years ago. We should not wait another 80 years to decide what to do.” — Freddy Sitas, Epidemiologist, UNSW

LADbible

• “It’s not an alternative to smoking, it’s not an alternative to illicit drugs … it is dangerous, and that’s the message.” — Bernard Stewart, Cancer Researcher, UNSW

The Sydney Morning Herald

• “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” — Becky Freeman, Tobacco Control Researcher, University of Sydney

The Guardian

The findings of this review underscore the need for a reevaluation of vaping's safety and the implementation of stricter regulations to protect public health.

The Guardian