Former smokers who vape face higher lung cancer and death risks, study finds

Key Points:

• A large South Korean study published in Nature Medicine found that former smokers who continue using e-cigarettes after quitting conventional cigarettes have a higher risk of lung cancer and death compared to those who quit nicotine entirely, suggesting reduced health benefits from cessation.
• The study followed over 4.5 million former smokers and showed that e-cigarette users had a 56% higher risk of lung cancer and 22% higher risk of death than non-users, while former smokers who quit nicotine completely had significantly lower risks.
• Although the study does not prove causation, it indicates that e-cigarettes may sustain nicotine addiction and exposure to harmful substances that promote inflammation and cancer-related processes, warranting further research on their long-term effects.
• Additional research from South Korea linked switching to e-cigarettes with a 24% increased risk of diabetic retinopathy and higher risks of other serious eye diseases, challenging the perception of e-cigarettes as a safe alternative to smoking.
• Experts emphasize that e-cigarettes should be used only as a temporary cessation aid and advocate for complete nicotine cessation through proven behavioral and medical treatments, aligning with World Health Organization recommendations.