American Cancer Society Adopts New Position on Electronic Cigarettes

research scientist holding an electronic cigarette

The American Cancer Society’s (ACS) recent position statement on e-cigarettes reveals a notable and encouraging change from its previous stance on electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Noting that “Combustible tobacco products, primarily cigarettes, are the single greatest cause of cancer and kill about 7 million people worldwide each year,” the society now supports the use of e-cigarettes as a tool to help smokers quit the lethal habit.

Why did the ACS change their position?

As a result of the growing body of evidence confirming that the current generation of e-cigarettes is less harmful than traditional cigarettes, many government agencies have revised their positions on these electronic devices, used by millions of consumers to help them quit smoking. In July 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a similar shift in policy, and it is now even considering regulating ENDs as an over-the-counter drug. In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) has already begun to promote them as a safer nicotine delivery alternative, alongside the nicotine patch, gum, and lozenges. It is not surprising, then, that the ACS has also altered its position to reflect the scientific community’s new findings and, ultimately, to better support clinical and policy recommendations that will aid smokers who want to quit.

The ACS recommends that clinicians support e-cigarettes.

While the ACS advises clinicians to continue to recommend FDA-approved cessation tools to smokers, it recognizes that e-cigarettes may be the preferred method to achieve smoking cessation goals for many.

Although traditional nicotine delivery alternatives provide smokers with the drug their body craves, alleviating the often painful physical withdrawal symptoms, they fail to satisfy the critical psychological and emotional aspects that can make quitting even more challenging. When smokers quit, they also miss indulging in the act of bringing the cigarette to their lips, inhaling an aeriform substance, and exhaling it. They may even crave the social aspects of taking a break to enjoy a few moments outside with their peers. Since e-cigs deliver nicotine with as few disruptions to their routine as possible, they can be more appealing than other nicotine delivery therapies that are currently available on the market.

Citing that “The ACS has always supported any smoker who is considering quitting, no matter what approach they use; there is nothing more important that they can do for their health,” it advises clinicians to encourage smokers to move to an exclusive, rather than dual, use of e-cigarettes.

What do you think of American Cancer Society’s new stance on e-cigarettes? Tell us in the comments section.

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