A comprehensive review by Australian researchers has found that vaping is likely to cause lung and oral cancer, with experts calling for action to be taken now, rather than repeating the mistakes made with cigarettes.
Drawing upon clinical studies, animal experiments and laboratory research examining the chemicals produced by e-cigarettes, the researchers analysed a wide body of global data to assess the ability of vapes to cause cancer on their own, rather than in tandem with cigarettes or as a gateway to smoking.
The team found evidence of DNA damage correlated with vape-derived metabolites attributable to carcinogens, including nicotine-derived nitrosamines, volatile organic compounds, flavour-derived agents and certain metals.
Biomarkers also indicated oxidative stress attributed to vaping, along with epigenetic changes and inflammation in oral and respiratory tissue often specified in comparison with smoking.
Meanwhile, studies in mice have revealed that exposure to e-cigarette aerosol caused lung adenocarcinomas.
"To our knowledge, this review is the most definitive determination that those who vape are at increased risk of cancer compared to those who don't," said study lead Adjunct Professor Bernard Stewart from UNSW Sydney.
Professor Stewart said that although the consistency of findings across those disciplines was striking, the exact number of attributable cancer cases is unclear.
"Our assessment is qualitative and does not involve a numerical estimate of cancer risk or burden," he explained.
"We'll only be able to determine the precise risk once longer-term studies are available."
However, the study authors cautioned against delaying action on e-cigarettes, pointing out that early warning signs around the health impacts of cigarettes were ignored for around 100 years.
"E-cigarettes were introduced about 20 years ago - we should not wait another 80 years to decide what to do," they said.
Professor Becky Freeman from the University of Sydney, who was not involved with the study, said the findings reinforce that limiting vapes to pharmacy-only access for people who are using them to quit smoking is the right approach.
"Preventing young people from accessing vaping products, while also providing a tightly regulated channel for those using them to quit smoking, is a balance," Professor Freeman said.
"Prioritising the enforcement of these laws, alongside education campaigns about the harms of vaping, plus support to quit vaping, is essential."
Read the research HERE. KB
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