Australian Study Links Vaping to Potential Lung and Oral Cancer Risks

Islamabad: A comprehensive scientific study from University of New South Wales has raised concerns that electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or vaping) may be associated with an increased risk of lung and oral cancers. Experts emphasize taking precautionary measures immediately rather than waiting for long-term evidence.

The research reviewed scientific reports, human case studies, laboratory experiments, and animal studies published between 2017 and 2025 to assess whether nicotine-containing e-cigarettes could contribute to cancer development. The findings indicate that vaping induces early biological changes linked to cancer, including DNA damage and increased inflammation. The study was published in the reputable journal Carcinogenesis, highlighting the connection between vaping and pre-cancerous cellular changes.

Scientists noted that inhaling e-cigarette vapor causes noticeable changes in lung and oral cells. While long-term human data is limited, some cases have documented oral cancer in individuals who vaped but did not smoke traditional cigarettes. Animal studies also showed that mice exposed to e-cigarette vapor developed more lung tumors, although these results cannot be directly extrapolated to humans.

Lead author Freddy Sitas warned that the perception of vaping as a completely safe alternative is incorrect. He emphasized that it took decades to recognize the harms of smoking, and ignoring early warning signs from vaping could be dangerous.

Experts urge governments and health authorities to take strict measures, especially to prevent increased vaping among youth. While some researchers caution against equating vaping with traditional cigarettes—since vaping lacks combustion-related chemicals—the study underscores that e-cigarettes should not be considered harmless and their potential risks require serious attention.