New research shows that e-cigarettes could increase cancer risk

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Widely promoted for being the healthier alternative to smoking tobacco, the lesser of two evils has been proven damaging to DNA, which could further lead to cancer.

Cancer Research UK’s website states that “vaping is far less harmful than smoking”, but a recent study conducted by New York University School of Medicine contradicts this statement - unfortunately it seems this was too good to be true.

The habit of vaping has become increasingly popular, especially with the younger generation – doing it mainly because they’ve been told it’s ‘harmless’ due to the non-existence of tobacco in e-cigarettes and vapes.

While it’s also been rumoured in the past that e-cigs pose the same risks as standard smoking, this new study has pretty much confirmed it.

The research isn’t conclusive and there’s still a lot more to be done, but the experiment has shown signs that nicotine is carcinogenic – irrespective of how it’s ingested.

Lab mice were exposed to the vapour from e-cigarettes, consisting of nicotine and liquid solvents.  It was found that their lungs, heart and bladders were later affected and their DNA was damaged. Subsequently, the DNA’s ability to repair itself was also hindered, meaning that cells could become cancerous.

Human lung, bladder and heart cells were also tested and had a similar result.

This suggests that those using e-cigarettes could still be susceptible to contracting serious health conditions relating to vital organs later down the line; compared to those who don’t smoke at all.

In short, users of vapes or tobacco may as well try to give up now – they’re both as bad as each other! It affects health, loved ones, those around who are subjected to second-hand smoking and puts a dent in the bank account - there are too many negatives.

Of course, it’s easier said than done and going cold turkey can be a serious challenge - here are 10 tips for quitting vaping or smoking habits:

1. Set a date to quit – this way, you’ll have a goal to work towards, which can be more motivating, rather than just trying to give up straight away. Coming up with a plan-of-action to stick to is much more realistic.

2. Don’t do it alone – getting medical/professional guidance and counselling can double the chances of quitting. Support from your loved ones helps – yes, but this isn’t always enough.

3. Download the ‘Smoke Free’ app – If you haven’t got much support, having a ‘digital friend’ like this app is great motivation. It tells you how much you’re saving daily and how your health is improving, such as your energy levels and circulation, for example. This then gives you the incentive to keep on going. What’s more, it’s free!

4. Save money – keeping track of all the money you’re saving from not buying cigarettes or e-liquids and equipment is rewarding and makes you aware of how much money you have been wasting on the habit. As well as reducing your outgoings, being a non-smoker will also save you money on life insurance premiums – leaving you with extra money to put towards something special like a holiday or shopping spree! This will certainly get you driven.

5. Don’t compare yourself to others – everyone’s different and you need to see your situation uniquely. It doesn’t matter if someone else you know is way ahead of you or behind in terms of quitting. Focus on yourself. If you don’t, it can be disheartening, make you lose motivation and make you forget the reasons for quitting.

6. Change your diet – you’ll have to make some lifestyle changes as well. Many smokers, be it e-cigs or regular, will do it first thing in the morning, in-between meals or late at night after their evening meal. Choosing healthier snacks will help curb your habit and some foods may even make the habit less appetising – such as cheese, fruit and veg.

7. Keep an eye on what you drink – try getting in the habit of mainly drinking water and healthy juices throughout the day. Drinks like coffee, alcohol and pop have been said to make smoking tastier, so avoid this!

8. Occupy your hands and mouth – keeping yourself busy will help with the physical habit. It could be cleaning, having a straw in your drink, chewing gum or anything else that distracts your hands and mouth from the habit.

9. Do exercise – introduce an exercise regime into your lifestyle. It doesn’t have to be extreme - even a short walk could help. This can reduce your cravings and again, keep your body and mind occupied on something else, as well as improving your overall health.

10. Write down why you’re quitting – making a note of all the reasons for quitting can then be used to refer to every now and again to motivate you and keep you on the right track. Put it up on your fridge, in the bathroom or anywhere and everywhere, so that you’re seeing it all the time!

To sum up, quitting cigarettes or vapes can not only benefit your physical and mental health, but it can save you money both with everyday expenses and life insurance, so there’s no time like the present to start giving it up!

If you would like more information on smoking and life insurance, and how much you could save by giving up, then Quick Quote Protect can help you. Give us a call today to speak with one of our experienced life insurance advisors.