Smoking and Vaping Increase Lung Cancer Risk by 4 Times

Dr Ankur Bahl says, “A 5-inch cigarette contains nearly 1,300 chemicals, including nicotine, phenol, toilet cleaner components, and other harmful substances.” AI can now help people quit smoking

India

In a powerful symposium held to mark World No Tobacco Day, doctors at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram issued a stark warning to the nation: a new wave of lung cancer and cardiovascular disease is emerging— not only among smokers, but increasingly among young adults exposed to vaping and toxic air pollution.

The event, aligned with the World Health Organization’s global theme “Beyond Smoke: The Future of Prevention, Innovation, and Hope,” spotlighted alarming new evidence:

• Smoking and vaping together increase lung cancer risk by four times
• Air pollution is now a top cause of lung cancer in non-smokers
• Young adults are becoming the new epicenter of nicotine addiction

With India witnessing 5,500 children picking up tobacco daily, and e-cigarettes quietly replacing traditional cigarettes in urban youth culture, Fortis experts described the current scenario as a “perfect storm” of public health threats.

Talking at the symposium, Dr Ankur Bahl, Senior Director, Medical Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said, “Smoking and vaping together increase the risk of lung cancer by four times. Tobacco contains nicotine, and young adults are increasingly becoming the new target of nicotine addiction. Also, It’s not just smokers developing cancer anymore.

We’re seeing a sharp uptick in lung cancer—especially those exposed to high air pollution. While immunotherapies and mRNA vaccines show promise, tobacco control is still our most powerful prevention tool.”

Dr Ankur added, ‘From what we could observe, around 40% of the lung cancer cases are connected to smoking or vaping. An additional 20% is attributed to long-term exposure to air pollution, whereas, around 20%, consists of non-smokers who have never directly used tobacco, indicating some other outdoors or hereditary reasons and rest 20% tobacco-related cases involve the use of smokeless tobacco products like khaini and gutka.’

Dr Manoj Goel, Principal Director and Unit Head of Pulmonology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said, “Vaping is often marketed as a ‘safe’ alternative, but evidence proves otherwise. When combined with smoking, it multiplies lung cancer risk by four. Gurugram’s rapid urbanization has led to increased air pollution levels, with high concentrations of PM2.5 particles, this is creating a dangerous cocktail for respiratory disease.”

Dr Ankur further added, AI can now help people quit smoking. Some of the Smart Quit-Tech tools being used include:
• SmokeMon Smart Necklace: Detects smoking in real time and vibrates as a reminder
• AI-powered QuitBots: Personalized messages, triggers, and support — 24×7
• Smartwatch nudges: Detects wrist-to-mouth gestures, alerts users before relapse

Experts during the conference said “What worries us most is the increasing exposure of adolescent girls and young women to vaping and polluted air. These toxins don’t just affect the lungs—they also impact reproductive health, fetal development, and hormonal balance. Additionally, smoking is linked to early onset of menopause, often occurring 1–4 years earlier than in non-smokers. Based on our observations, out of 100 young female tobacco users, approximately 60–70% report issues related to menstrual health, such as irregular cycles or severe cramps. Furthermore, about 30–40% face fertility challenges, including difficulties in conceiving or early menopause. Prevention today safeguards generations tomorrow.”

Yash Rawat, Facility Director & VP at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said, “At Fortis, we believe that every step toward a tobacco-free life is a step toward better health and a brighter future. On No Tobacco Day, we reaffirm our commitment to creating awareness, supporting cessation, and building a healthier, smoke-free community”