IASLC Policy Statement: Electronic Cigarettes-IASLC Policy Statement

IASLC Policy Statement - Electronic Cigarettes

Pdf Summary

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) has released a policy statement on electronic cigarettes. While some people have successfully quit smoking using e-cigarettes, there are concerns about their use among non-smokers, particularly young people. Data on cessation outcomes are inconsistent, and the long-term risks are unknown. The recent outbreak in the United States of severe illnesses and deaths associated with e-cigarettes has brought attention to the potential dangers of their use. Based on current evidence, the IASLC supports the position of the American Thoracic Society and makes several points regarding e-cigarettes:<br /><br />1. Cancer treatment outcomes are worse in patients who continue to smoke, emphasizing the importance of supporting patients in quitting smoking.<br />2. Individuals who smoke, including those with cancer, should quit smoking immediately through any means possible.<br />3. Healthcare professionals should advise patients to quit smoking and vaping by using evidence-based cessation aids.<br />4. Approved pharmacotherapy and counseling are safe and effective options for quitting smoking.<br />5. Currently, systematic reviews have not proven e-cigarettes to be effective for smoking cessation.<br />6. Animal studies suggest a potential link between vaping and lung cancer, but there is no evidence of a cancer risk in humans yet.<br />7. Flavorings and additives used in e-cigarettes may contribute to vaping-related illnesses.<br />8. E-cigarettes should not be used by youth or non-smoking adults.<br /><br />Overall, the IASLC emphasizes the importance of combating tobacco use to reduce lung cancer incidence and improve outcomes for patients with cancer. They encourage healthcare professionals to support patients in quitting smoking and to use evidence-based cessation aids.

Keywords

IASLC

electronic cigarettes

smoking cessation

young people

potential dangers

cancer treatment outcomes

quitting smoking

evidence-based cessation aids

lung cancer

tobacco use