With more people switching to vaping as an alternative to smoking, it is natural to wonder about long-term risks. One of the most common concerns is whether vaping can cause lung cancer. Although vaping is still relatively new compared to smoking, it has been around long enough for researchers and health professionals to start drawing early conclusions.
This article takes a balanced look at what we currently know, how vaping compares to traditional smoking in terms of risk, and what you can do to make informed choices.
What we know so far
At this stage, there is no confirmed evidence that vaping directly causes lung cancer. However, because it involves inhaling vapour into the lungs, health experts are continuing to study its effects over time. Vaping has not been around long enough for researchers to track its long-term impact on cancer risk in the same way they have with smoking.
Cigarette smoking has been linked to lung cancer through decades of studies showing that tar, smoke and combustion by-products damage lung tissue. Vaping does not involve combustion, so it avoids many of the harmful chemicals created by burning tobacco.
That said, vaping is not risk-free. It still delivers nicotine and other substances through the lungs, and the full long-term impact is still being researched.
What ingredients are involved?
Most e-liquids contain a mix of vegetable glycerine, propylene glycol, flavourings and nicotine. When heated, these ingredients turn into vapour, which is then inhaled. While this is generally considered to be less harmful than cigarette smoke, some studies have raised questions about how certain flavouring ingredients may behave once they are heated and inhaled repeatedly.
It is important to note that most studies so far suggest that vaping carries significantly fewer harmful chemicals than smoking. That is one reason many public health bodies in the UK view vaping as a lower-risk option for people trying to quit cigarettes.
Is there a clear link to lung cancer?
At present, no direct link between vaping and lung cancer has been proven. That does not mean the risk is zero, but it does mean there is not enough data yet to say with certainty either way. Most of the concern comes from long-term exposure. Since vaping is still relatively new, it will take many more years of follow-up research before long-term outcomes like cancer risk can be fully understood.
In the meantime, doctors and scientists generally agree that if you are choosing between smoking and vaping, vaping is likely the safer option, but quitting both is best for your health overall.
Does nicotine cause cancer?
Nicotine itself is addictive but is not the main cause of cancer in smokers. The real danger in cigarettes comes from the thousands of chemicals released when tobacco is burned. While nicotine can affect heart rate and blood pressure, it has not been shown to directly cause cancer. Still, when inhaled in high amounts, nicotine may affect blood vessels and tissue health in ways that are still being studied.
Vape devices like the Lost Mary BM6000 are popular because they deliver nicotine in a smoother, more controlled way using nicotine salt formulas. These devices are designed to follow UK safety and quality regulations. Choosing a legal, TPD-compliant product is one way to reduce the risks associated with vaping.
What about the lungs?
There have been reports over the years of lung irritation, inflammation and other vaping-related conditions, particularly in cases where unregulated or illicit vape products were used. These are typically linked to poor-quality e-liquids or additives not allowed under UK law.
If you buy your products from reputable UK retailers and stick to devices that meet legal requirements, the chance of experiencing serious lung problems is considered low. Still, your lungs are sensitive, and if you ever experience shortness of breath, chest discomfort or persistent coughing, it is important to speak to a doctor.
Should you be worried?
If you are currently smoking and considering vaping instead, switching to a legal vape product is widely accepted as a harm-reduction step. However, if you do not currently use nicotine at all, there is no health benefit to starting vaping.
The long-term risks of vaping are still being studied, but experts agree it is less harmful than smoking. If you already vape, taking steps to use your device responsibly, choosing legal products and staying informed will help reduce risk.
What if you want to stop?
If you are thinking about cutting back or quitting altogether, there are many support options available in the UK including NHS stop smoking services and local support groups. Many people start with vaping as a way to quit cigarettes, then gradually reduce nicotine strength or frequency of use over time.
If you are already using a product like the BM6000, consider setting a goal to space out your sessions or try switching to a lower-strength alternative in future.
Want to learn more?
For more articles like this one, visit our full health guides section where we cover questions about oral health, lung impact, vaping side effects and more. Every guide is written clearly for UK readers and based on the most up-to-date public guidance available.
Final thoughts
There is no confirmed link between vaping and lung cancer at this time, but that does not mean the risk is zero. It simply means more research is needed before we know for sure. What we do know is that vaping avoids many of the cancer-causing chemicals found in cigarette smoke and is viewed by many health experts as a safer alternative for people trying to quit smoking.
If you are vaping regularly, choose a legal, trusted product, keep an eye on how your body feels and speak to a health professional if anything changes. And if you are browsing for your next flavour or device, the Lost Mary BM6000 collection includes a wide range of options that follow current UK regulations.
Let me know if you'd like this adapted for a stop-smoking guide, vape safety checklist or long-term health tips article.