One of the most common questions people ask when switching from smoking to vaping is whether vaping can cause cancer. With cigarette smoking strongly linked to cancer over decades of research, it is understandable that vapers want reassurance about their health.
Vaping has now been around for over a decade in the UK, and while it is considered far safer than smoking, it is not entirely risk-free. In this article, we look at what the current research says about cancer risk, what ingredients are involved, and how vaping compares to cigarettes.
Can vaping cause cancer?
At the time of writing, there is no clear evidence that vaping causes cancer. However, that does not mean the risk is zero. It simply means that vaping is still relatively new, and long-term studies are ongoing. Cancer can take many years to develop, so it may be some time before there is a definite answer.
That said, most experts agree that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking. This is because vaping does not involve combustion, which is where most cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco come from. Cigarette smoke contains over 70 known carcinogens. Vape vapour contains far fewer, and in much lower amounts.
What is in vape vapour?
Vape liquids typically contain four main ingredients:
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Vegetable glycerine (VG)
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Propylene glycol (PG)
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Flavourings
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Nicotine
When heated, these ingredients turn into vapour. While some by-products are created in the process, they are generally found at much lower levels than in cigarette smoke.
Nicotine itself is not classed as a carcinogen. It is addictive and can affect the body in other ways, but it is not the substance in cigarettes that causes cancer. The danger from smoking comes from tar and toxic chemicals formed by burning tobacco.
Devices like the Lost Mary BM6000 use a prefilled pod and refill system, with regulated ingredients and legal nicotine strength. Using legal, TPD-compliant devices is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of exposure to unknown or unsafe compounds.
What have studies shown so far?
Early research into vaping has found far fewer harmful chemicals in vape vapour compared to cigarette smoke. Some studies have detected trace levels of substances that may be linked to cancer risk, such as formaldehyde, but these were often under extreme use conditions not typical of real-world vaping.
In the UK, public health organisations including the NHS and Cancer Research UK have stated that vaping is much safer than smoking and poses a lower risk of cancer. However, they also recommend avoiding vaping unless it is being used to stop smoking.
Is vaping risk-free?
No, vaping is not completely harmless. It may still expose the body to chemicals that have not yet been fully studied, especially over long periods of use. That is why most health guidance suggests using vaping as a stop-smoking tool, not something to continue indefinitely.
If you do not currently smoke, starting vaping introduces a habit and a dependency that may carry unknown risks over time. If you are trying to quit nicotine altogether, reducing your vape use gradually is the best way forward.
Does vaping cause throat or lung cancer?
There is no confirmed link between vaping and any specific type of cancer, including lung or throat cancer. These types of cancer are heavily linked to smoking because of the high levels of tar and toxins in cigarette smoke. Since vaping avoids combustion, the exposure is much lower.
That said, inhaling any heated substance into the lungs carries some potential for irritation or long-term effects, even if it is considered less harmful. Keeping your usage light, staying hydrated, and using quality vape products can all help reduce the risks.
What can you do to reduce the risk?
If you vape and want to reduce your potential risk of harm:
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Choose a legal, TPD-compliant vape product
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Use lower nicotine strength if possible
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Take breaks between vape sessions
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Avoid long or deep puffs that overheat the coil
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Stay hydrated and practise good oral hygiene
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Avoid vaping if you do not currently smoke or use nicotine
Reducing the intensity and frequency of your vape use can help reduce your exposure to unnecessary chemicals over time.
Want to learn more?
If you are looking for clear answers on how vaping affects your body, from lung health to oral care and long-term wellbeing, take a look at our full health guides section. Each guide is written for UK users and covers real questions from everyday vapers.
Final thoughts
There is no confirmed evidence that vaping causes cancer, but long-term studies are still ongoing. What we do know is that vaping exposes the body to far fewer harmful chemicals than smoking, and is considered a much safer option for adults trying to quit tobacco.
If you are currently vaping to stop smoking, that is a step in the right direction. Just be mindful of your usage, stay informed, and aim to reduce your nicotine intake gradually if you can.
For more specific risks, you may want to explore can vaping cause lung cancer
We also suggest reading what does vaping do to your lungs for a closer look at how vapour affects your respiratory system.