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Nicotine E-Cigarettes Prove Most Effective Smoking-Cessation Tool in Major Review

8/26/2026, 7:47:58 PM

Core Findings of the Cochrane Review

An updated “living” systematic review examined 80 randomized controlled trials involving 29,861 adult smokers.

High-certainty evidence shows nicotine-containing e-cigarettes produced about four additional quitters per 100 people compared with nicotine-replacement therapy and two additional quitters per 100 compared with non-nicotine vaping.

The Independent

Use vapes to quit smoking, scientists say - despite cancer, depression and wheezing warnings

The overall quit rate rose from roughly six per 100 to ten per 100, a relative increase of about 60 %.

No increase in serious adverse events was detected; the analysis applies only to regulated nicotine e-cigarettes.

Background & Context

Smoking kills over seven million people each year, and traditional cessation aids achieve modest success.

In the United Kingdom, adult vaping now exceeds smoking, with 5.4 million adults using e-cigarettes versus 5.3 million smokers.

Use vapes to quit smoking, scientists say - despite cancer, depression and wheezing warnings

The NHS has begun offering regulated e-cigarettes through its stop-smoking services.

Data & Statistics

Trials analyzed: 80

Participants: 29,861

Quit-rate improvement vs. NRT: +4 per 100 (?67 % relative increase)

Quit-rate improvement vs. non-nicotine vaping: +2 per 100

Adult prevalence (UK): 5.4 million vapers (?10 % of adults) vs. 5.3 million smokers

Use vapes to quit smoking, scientists say - despite cancer, depression and wheezing warnings

Official Statements & Responses

Dr Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, senior author of the review, says regulated nicotine e-cigarettes are “substantially less harmful than smoking” and a “proven and viable option” for cessation.

The NHS now lists e-cigarettes alongside patches, gum, and prescription medicines as standard cessation tools.

Use vapes to quit smoking, scientists say - despite cancer, depression and wheezing warnings

Regulatory agencies such as the UK MHRA and the US FDA maintain public lists of approved devices and urge users to select only those that meet safety standards.

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

The Cochrane review tracked participants for up to two years; longer-term safety data remain lacking.

A *Nature Medicine* study reported higher lung-cancer incidence among former smokers who switched to vaping, a finding not addressed by the Cochrane analysis.

The review did not investigate dependence on e-cigarettes or strategies for quitting vaping after smoking cessation.

The Independent

Use vapes to quit smoking, scientists say - despite cancer, depression and wheezing warnings

Verbatim Quotes

“We have very strong evidence that regulated nicotine e-cigarettes are substantially less harmful than smoking,” — Dr Jamie Hartmann-Boyce

“ Dr McKean added: "It must not be seen as a one-and-done solution.” — Dr Mike McKean

What’s Next

The United Kingdom’s ban on selling any vape or nicotine product to individuals under 18 will take effect on October 29.

Use vapes to quit smoking, scientists say - despite cancer, depression and wheezing warnings

The Cochrane “living” review will continue to incorporate new trial data, aiming to clarify long-term health outcomes and inform future public-health recommendations.