Can Vaping Cause Lung Cancer?

Vaping has often been marketed around the world as a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, particularly for those who are looking to quit the habit.

But as the popularity of vapes, e-cigarettes, and similar devices has surged, so too have concerns about their long-term health effects.

This article explores what we currently know about the link between vaping and lung cancer, how vaping affects lung health, and why early detection and prevention are essential in the fight against lung cancer. 

What is Vaping?

Vaping refers to the use of battery-operated devices, commonly known as e-cigarettes, vape pens, or mods, that heat a liquid solution to create an inhalable aerosol. 

This liquid, also called e-liquid or vape juice, usually contains flavourings and various chemicals. When heated, the liquid turns into a vapour that users inhale into their lungs.

Vaping essentially simulates the act of cigarette smoking without the harmful effects of burning tobacco. However, some types of vapes still contain nicotine, the addictive substance that is also present in cigarettes. 

They also contain many other chemicals, some of which have been linked to various harmful health effects. 

These concerns have fueled growing questions and ongoing research into whether vaping might contribute to lung cancer.

Does Vaping Lead to Lung Cancer?

As of now, there is not enough long-term scientific evidence to state that vaping is a direct cause of lung cancer. 

This is mainly because e-cigarettes and other vaping products have not been widely available for long enough to be part of viable cancer studies, which can take years or decades to develop. As a result, scientists haven’t yet had enough time to determine whether vaping directly causes lung cancer.

Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the lung tissue grow uncontrollably, forming tumours that interfere with breathing and spread to other parts of the body. This usually results from prolonged exposure to carcinogenic substances, which are known to cause cancer. 

We do know that traditional cigarette smoking is the leading source of carcinogenic exposure linked to lung cancer. Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, of which at least 70 are known carcinogens, including arsenic, cadmium, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Meanwhile, the long-term risks of inhaling vapourised chemicals from e-cigarettes are still being studied.

Toxic Substances in Vaping Products

What harmful substances does someone actually inhale when they vape?

Research has shown that certain chemicals found in vape aerosols, such as formaldehyde, acrolein, and heavy metals like nickel and lead, can trigger DNA damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation in lung tissue. 

This is worrying, as damage to the DNA of lung cells can interfere with their normal growth and repair mechanisms. Certain carcinogens from vape aerosol can also suppress key genes in our body, such as TP53, which is responsible for suppressing the growth of tumour cells. 

Over time, this could lead to the development of lung cancer in vape smokers. 

Additionally, certain flavouring agents used in e-liquids, such as diacetyl, have been linked to serious lung diseases and may carry potential cancer risks with chronic exposure. 

How Vaping Affects Lung Health

While it remains unclear whether vaping directly causes lung cancer, we already have evidence that it can negatively impact lung health in several ways.

1. Lung Irritation and Inflammation

One of the most immediate effects of vaping is inflammation in the airways. Studies show that some chemicals commonly found in vape aerosol, such as propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, can irritate the delicate lining of the respiratory tract. This can lead to symptoms such as:

• Persistent coughing
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Increased mucus production

Over time, this can contribute to long-term respiratory issues in individuals who vape.

2. Popcorn Lung (Bronchiolitis Obliterans)

One of the most concerning vaping-related lung conditions is “popcorn lung,” a condition that causes scarring and narrowing of the smallest airways in the lungs.

The condition gained its nickname after it was discovered among workers at microwave popcorn factories who had inhaled diacetyl, a buttery flavouring chemical.

Diacetyl is banned from use in vape liquid by countries like the U.K. and China, but it is still commonly found in flavoured vape products, especially sweet options like vanilla and caramel. When inhaled regularly, diacetyl may cause permanent damage to the lungs, eventually resulting in respiratory failure. 

3. EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury)

In 2019, the U.S. experienced an outbreak of a severe condition known as EVALI, which led to over 2000 hospitalisations and deaths. The symptoms of this condition include shortness of breath, fever, dizziness, and chest pain.

Mainly affecting young adults and teenagers, the disease was linked to vapes and e-cigarettes that contained vitamin E acetate, a thickening agent. When inhaled, vitamin E acetate can cause serious damage to the lungs. 

Although EVALI cases have significantly declined since 2020, the outbreak stands as a warning of the dangers of unregulated vape products. 

4. Impaired Lung Immunity

Vaping can interfere with the lungs’ natural immune defences. Research suggests that frequent vaping may suppress the body’s ability to fight off bacteria and viruses, making the respiratory system more vulnerable to illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia.  

Additionally, vaping compromises the effectiveness of key immune cells, including macrophages, which are important for clearing harmful particles and pathogens from the lungs.

These effects are particularly concerning for individuals with asthma, compromised immunity, or those exposed to airborne illnesses.

Lung Cancer: Symptoms and the Importance of Early Detection

While vaping is banned in Singapore, many individuals continue to use e-cigarettes illegally. This is an alarming trend, given the growing evidence of vaping’s harmful effects on lung health.

Meanwhile, only around 10% of adult Singaporeans are cigarette smokers, compared to the global average of 22.3% in 2020. 

Despite this, lung cancer remains the third most common cancer in both men and women in Singapore and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the country.

This disease does not display noticeable symptoms in its early stages. That’s why it’s important to seek medical advice if you experience any of the following:

• A persistent cough that does not go away
• Chest pain
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• A hoarse voice
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Lack of appetite or unexplained weight loss
• Coughing up blood, even if it’s a small amount

Why Early Detection Matters for Lung Cancer

Thanks to advances in screening techniques, identifying lung cancer in its early stages can dramatically improve treatment outcomes and survival rates.

When lung cancer is detected early, before it has spread beyond the lungs, treatment options such as surgery, targeted therapies, and radiation are often more effective. Research shows that the 5-year survival rate can rise to as high as 65% for patients diagnosed at Stage I.

With early screening and detection, you can also expect:

• More treatment options and less aggressive therapies, as the cancer is still in its early stages. 
• Better quality of life, as earlier treatment can help prevent or reduce symptoms like cough, fatigue, and chest pain. 
• Lower expenses thanks to less invasive treatments, which may reduce recovery time and overall healthcare costs.

At International Cancer Specialists (ICS), we offer comprehensive and affordable lung cancer screening in Singapore, which includes a low-dose CT scan, comprehensive blood tests, chest X-ray, PET scan, and more. 

Our dedicated oncologists can provide early detection, ensure accurate diagnosis, and give you a detailed medical consultation for peace of mind. 

Can Lung Cancer Be Prevented?

While not all cases can be prevented, such as those related to your family history, simple lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk of developing lung cancer. 

• The most important step you can take is to stop cigarette smoking. Within 15 years, your risk of developing lung cancer can drop close to that of someone who has never smoked.
  
• Avoid vaping or quit if you have already started. Even though the link between vaping and cancer has yet to be established, the chemicals in vapes and e-cigarettes are still harmful to your lungs. 
  
• Stay physically active to improve your lung function and strengthen your immune system.
  
• Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
  
• Avoid secondhand smoke whenever possible. Stay away from public smoking zones designated by Singapore law, and ask friends and relatives not to smoke around you.
  
• Schedule a screening if you suspect you are at risk of developing lung cancer. Those at risk of the disease include:
  
  • Cigarette smokers, or those who have recently quit smoking.
  • Those frequently exposed to secondhand smoke.
  • Those aged 40 and older. 
  • Those with a family history of lung cancer. 

From Awareness to Action: Caring for Your Lungs

Research is still ongoing regarding the connection between lung cancer and vaping. However, we already know that vaping can harm your lungs in many other ways. 

From weakened immunity to serious conditions like popcorn lung, these risks are especially concerning in Singapore, where lung cancer continues to be one of the most common and deadly cancers. 

With this knowledge, quitting vaping and smoking or choosing not to start is one of the most important steps you can take for your long-term health. Another vital action is to consider early screening for lung cancer, especially if you’re at higher risk.

At ICS, we offer personalised and accessible lung cancer screenings, along with expert medical oncology care, to help you take proactive steps toward protecting your health.

Put your lung health first and schedule a screening or consultation with us today.

We also offer teleconsultation services so that you can consult our expert oncologists anywhere, anytime.

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