Former smokers who vape face higher lung cancer and death risks, study finds
A large-scale study of 4.5 million former smokers in South Korea suggests that using e-cigarettes after quitting conventional smoking may increase the risk of lung cancer and death. The findings challenge the perception of vaping as a completely harmless alternative for those who have already quit smoking.
Why it matters
This research provides critical data for public health policy regarding the long-term safety of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool.
Does switching to e-cigarettes really eliminate the harms of smoking? A new study published in the leading medical journal Nature Medicine suggests the answer is more complicated than commonly believed. According to the findings, smokers who quit conventional cigarettes but continue using e-cigarettes may derive fewer health benefits from quitting, particularly when it comes to reducing the risk of lung cancer and death. The study, based on real-world data from a large nationwide cohort, found that e-cigarette use after smoking cessation may weaken some of the protective effects of quitting. The researchers called for further studies to better understand the long-term consequences of using these products and to develop evidence-based recommendations for the public and health care systems.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in