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The rise of teen vaping has become a growing concern for public health experts, raising fears that it could set the stage for a future spike in lung cancer cases. While e-cigarettes were initially marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, research is increasingly suggesting that vaping carries its own set of serious risks, especially for young users. Doctors warn that adolescence is a critical time for lung development and exposure to harmful substances during these years can have long-term consequences that may not become apparent until adulthood.

In a conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr Pushpinder Gulia, Director – Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram explained if vaping can lead to a surge in lung cancer.

Could teen vaping habits lead to a lung cancer epidemic?

One of the key concerns is the chemical composition of e-cigarette vapour. Though it does not contain tobacco in the traditional sense, it is far from harmless. Vaping liquids typically include nicotine, heavy metals like lead and nickel, and volatile organic compounds, many of which are known carcinogens. When inhaled repeatedly, these substances can cause DNA damage, chronic inflammation and cellular changes in the lungs, all of which are precursors to cancer development.

For teens, whose bodies are still growing and whose cells divide more rapidly, the impact of these toxins could be even more severe than in adults. Nicotine itself, while not a direct carcinogen plays an indirect but important role in cancer risk. It promotes tumor growth by altering cell signaling pathways and weakening the immune system’s ability to destroy abnormal cells.

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Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to nicotine addiction, which means they are more likely to become long-term users. Prolonged exposure increases cumulative damage, making the likelihood of cancer or other chronic lung diseases much higher in the future.

Another issue is the misconception among teens that vaping is “safe” compared to smoking. This false sense of security has fueled a surge in e-cigarette use, with flavored products making them especially appealing to younger audiences. Public health experts fear that this widespread adoption could reverse decades of progress made in reducing tobacco use and its associated diseases. If current trends continue, the long latency period of cancer suggests we may see a significant rise in lung cancer cases linked to vaping in the next two to three decades.

ALSO READ: Are You Vaping A Lot? Here Are 5 Reasons To Quit Right Now

Doctor stresses on mportance of prevention through education and policy. Banning flavoured e-cigarettes, restricting advertising targeted at youth and implementing stricter regulations can help curb teen vaping. On an individual level, open conversations between parents, schools, and teenagers about the real risks are essential. While vaping may not show immediate dangers, the long-term consequences—potentially including a surge in lung cancer could prove devastating for the current generation of young users.