Vaping may increase risk of lung cancer
Individuals who quit smoking and then adopted vaping were found to have a higher likelihood of developing lung cancer compared to those who did not vape. This observation comes from a pre-print study conducted in South Korea and led by Yeon Wook Kim at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. Although not peer-reviewed at the time of publication, this study marks a significant development as the first large population-based study highlighting the increased lung cancer risks in ex-smokers who have turned to e-cigarettes.
Ex-smokers Who Vape at Higher Risk of Lung Cancer
The research encompassed a staggering 4,329,288 individuals in South Korea with a history of conventional smoking, taking readings across two periods: 2012-2014 and 2018, with a follow-up in December 2021. By the time of the follow-up, 53,354 individuals had developed lung cancer, and 6,351 had succumbed to the disease. These findings underscore a greater risk of lung cancer diagnosis and cancer-related death for former cigarette smokers who switched to e-cigarettes.
The Debate Over E-Cigarettes’ Health Implications
Are e-cigarettes really healthier?
E-cigarettes, which heat a liquid to create a vapor inhaled by the user, sometimes contain tobacco—the main carcinogenic component of cigarettes. However, they also include other potentially harmful chemicals like acrolein, formaldehyde, diacetyl, and ultrafine particles, albeit at lower levels than traditional tobacco cigarettes. Ashley Merianos, an associate professor at the University of Cincinnati, points out that while many health professionals view vaping as significantly safer than smoking, the long-term health effects remain uncertain.
E-cigarettes and Cancer: What’s the Evidence?
While e-cigarette liquids contain very low concentrations of numerous carcinogenic chemicals, the impact of regular and long-term exposure is still not fully understood. Although short-term vaping (less than two years) is not associated with a rise in cancer diagnoses, longer-term studies hint at a potential increase in cancer risk later in life, particularly for those who previously smoked conventional cigarettes.
Conclusion: Weighing the Risks and Benefits
As vaping continues to be recommended as a tool to help quit smoking, it’s crucial to weigh its potential harms against its benefits. While e-cigarettes can play a role in smoking cessation, users must consider the possible health risks, especially those related to lung health and cancer. Staying informed and consulting health professionals can help individuals make better choices regarding their health and smoking habits.
Stay tuned to our blog for more insights and updates on vaping and its health implications!
