Experts Debate: Can E-Cigarettes Help Quit Smoking and Reduce Lung Cancer Risk?

Aug.15.2022
The debate over whether e-cigarettes can help smokers quit and reduce the risk of lung cancer continues among experts.

As it is widely known, smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smokers are 15 to 30 times more likely to develop lung cancer than nonsmokers. However, quitting smoking is a difficult task. Due to the addictive nature of smoking, 52-63% of lung cancer patients continue to smoke even after being diagnosed.


There is controversy within the medical community about whether or not vaping can reduce the risk of lung cancer by inducing smoking cessation.


On the 8th of this month, the World Lung Cancer Association held a heated debate on the effectiveness of e-cigarettes in helping smokers quit. Lung cancer clinical physician Matthew Avison, who has treated hundreds of lung cancer patients in clinical trials, stated that "hundreds of chemicals will enter the body during the process of smoking tobacco. Patients struggling to quit smoking need an alternative." He believes that "a principle of not burning tobacco but vaporizing liquid makes it easy to understand that e-cigarettes are less harmful." Avison continued by referencing a study that found e-cigarette users who switched from traditional smoking had quit smoking for at least 6 months. He believes that this should be seriously considered as an alternative method for smoking cessation.


However, there are also opposing views. Emily Stone, a professor at St Vincent Hospital in Sydney, expressed in a discussion on the same day, "The effect of e-cigarettes on smoking cessation varies depending on the research methods. The fact is," she said. Professor Stone stated, "E-cigarettes contain fewer toxic substances than tobacco cigarettes, but the risk is at an uncertain level.


Statement:


This article is compiled from third-party information and is intended for industry communication and learning purposes only.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the authenticity or accuracy of the content. The compilation of this article is only intended for internal industry communication and research.


Due to limitations in the level of translation, this article may not fully convey the same meaning as the original text. Please refer to the original text for accuracy.


2FIRSTS aligns completely with the Chinese government on any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and foreign-related statements and positions.


The copyright of compiled information belongs to the original media and author(s). If there is any infringement, please contact us for removal.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

2025 China Shenzhen Top 500 Enterprises List: 13 E-cigarette Companies Include
2025 China Shenzhen Top 500 Enterprises List: 13 E-cigarette Companies Include
Shenzhen e-commerce companies dominate 2025 Top 500 list, including 13 e-cigarette businesses. Shenzhen FirstUnion Tech climbs 57 spots.
Oct.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russian State Duma considers regulations to address widespread use of e-cigarettes among youth
Russian State Duma considers regulations to address widespread use of e-cigarettes among youth
Russian Duma considers comprehensive regulations to address widespread e-cigarette use among youth, including potential sales bans and flavor restrictions.
Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2FIRSTS Data Insight|China’s Vape Exports to the U.S. Hit a Record $590 Million: A Peak Driven by Enforcement Cycles, Not Real Demand
2FIRSTS Data Insight|China’s Vape Exports to the U.S. Hit a Record $590 Million: A Peak Driven by Enforcement Cycles, Not Real Demand
China’s vape exports to the U.S. surged to a record $590 million in October 2025—nearly double the usual monthly level and pushing the U.S. share above 50% of China’s global shipments.But the spike was not driven by demand. Instead, it reflected a temporary release created by tightened U.S. enforcement, a collapsed logistics pathway, and a bullwhip-style surge in replenishment.The peak signals more volatility ahead, not recovery.
Special Report
Nov.24
Kenya Court of Appeal Halts BBC Defamation Case Linked to BAT Bribery Documentary
Kenya Court of Appeal Halts BBC Defamation Case Linked to BAT Bribery Documentary
Kenya’s Court of Appeal has paused the defamation proceedings filed by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula against the BBC. The case centers on a 2015 BBC documentary, Panorama: The Secret Bribes of Big Tobacco, which alleged that Wetang’ula received unlawful benefits from British American Tobacco (BAT) during his tenure as a senator.
Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Harm Reduction Experts Warn: FCTC COP11 Policies Risk Marginalizing the Global South
Harm Reduction Experts Warn: FCTC COP11 Policies Risk Marginalizing the Global South
Two global tobacco harm reduction experts, in their submission to 2Firsts, argue that several COP11 policy proposals driven by high-income countries do not align with the capacities and conditions of low- and middle-income countries. They highlight research and funding gaps and call for a more equitable global support mechanism.
Nov.19
Baltimore Moves to Zone Smoke Shops, Set Minimum Distance From Schools
Baltimore Moves to Zone Smoke Shops, Set Minimum Distance From Schools
Baltimore’s City Council in Maryland, building on recently enacted restrictions on “small box” dollar-store chains, has proposed a package of regulations for tobacco and vape retailers. The measures would create a standalone land-use category for “smoke shops,” establish distance buffers from schools and parks, limit exterior signage brightness, and schedule an informational hearing.
Oct.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai