Vaping has been marketed as a healthy version of smoking. However, vaping can potentially increase the risk of cancer, although the long-term risks are still being studied.

Contents of e-cigarettes
• The list of harmful substances found in E cigarettes is long. It includes nicotine, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, and heavy metals (like lead and nickel).
• The vapor from e-cigarettes may also contain carcinogens
While it is being said that the concentration of these harmful substances in Vaping in lower it can still cause damage to DNA and Cells thereby causing cancer.
• E-cigarette aerosols have been linked to oxidative stress, which can lead to cellular and DNA damage.

Lung and throat exposure
• In addition to the carcinogens hat are absorbed in the blood , throat and lungs are directly exposed to e-cigarette vapor which has higher concentration of the above stuff. This increases the potential for localized damage that could lead to cancers in those areas.
• Vaping is a relatively recent phenomenon and compared to cigarette smoking , the data is still limited. While we will have long-term studies to confirm its association with cancer, we have a good understanding of the content and how it can increase risk f cancer. Early evidence suggests that while vaping is marketed as being healthier, it is by now means risk free.

Comparisons to traditional smoking
• One issue with Vaping just like Cigarettes is that it can be carried in persons packet and is more easily accessible. People might end up using it more often than they might smoke. In addition they might think it is risk free and propagate the use in community. The youth are mor likely to get into this habit and might end up using it over longer periods.

Recommendations
• Do not mistake vaping to be risk free option to cigarette
• If you're using vaping as a tool to quit smoking, consider other cessation methods as safer alternatives.
• If you do not smoke or you are a young person, simply avoid vaping or smoking reduce any potential health risks.


Dr. Sachin Trivedi, Director- Medical Oncology, HCG Hospital, Colaba