NHS Better Health guidance explains that cigarettes cause harm mainly through burning tobacco, which creates a toxic mix of chemicals, while vapes deliver nicotine without combustion. Because of this, the NHS describes vaping as much less harmful than smoking and highlights it as one of the most effective ways for adult smokers to stop, especially with professional support.
Across national and local NHS resources, e‑cigarettes are now included alongside patches, gums and other treatments as recognised quit aids. Smokers who have tried and struggled with other methods are encouraged to consider switching to a regulated vape, rather than carrying on smoking.
Government evidence behind the NHS message
Independent evidence reviews commissioned for the UK government have repeatedly found that vapes expose users to far fewer and lower levels of cancer‑causing and toxic substances than smoking. These reports also show that people who use a vape to quit are more likely to stop smoking successfully than those who try to quit without any aid.
On the back of this evidence, the government has created a pathway for certain e‑cigarette products to be licensed as medical devices so they could, in time, be prescribed on the NHS specifically for smoking cessation. This reflects a strong public‑health interest in using vaping to reduce smoking‑related disease in adults who already smoke.
How NHS stop‑smoking teams talk about vapes
Local stop‑smoking services provide simple, practical guidance on how to use a vape effectively: choosing a suitable device, picking the right nicotine strength, and setting a quit date to stop cigarettes completely. They explain that getting enough nicotine at the start is important so cravings are controlled and people are less tempted to go back to smoking.
These services strongly recommend moving fully from smoking to vaping, rather than long‑term dual use, because most of the health gain comes when cigarettes are completely out of the picture. Many clinics also offer behavioural support or counselling, which, when combined with vaping, can significantly increase long‑term quit success.
Cancer Research UK: vaping vs smoking
Cancer Research UK is clear that smoking is still the biggest preventable cause of cancer in the UK. Its information on vaping explains that legal, regulated e‑cigarettes are far less harmful than smoking because they usually contain fewer and lower levels of the chemicals that drive cancer and serious heart and lung disease.
For adults who already smoke, Cancer Research UK states that switching completely to vaping can reduce the risk of developing smoking‑related cancers compared with continuing to smoke. At the same time, the charity stresses that vapes are not risk‑free, long‑term effects are still being researched, and non‑smokers should not start using them.
Yorkshire Cancer Research and regional messages
Yorkshire Cancer Research sets out clear vaping key messages, explaining that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking and can help adult smokers quit when used correctly. The charity supports providing smokers with accurate information about vapes, along with easy access to proven quit support, as part of efforts to cut smoking‑related cancers.
At the same time, Yorkshire Cancer Research calls for tight controls to reduce youth vaping, including responsible retailing and clear rules around marketing and flavours. Their position is that vapes should be available for adults who smoke and want to quit, but not promoted in ways that attract children or non‑smokers.
One clear line: smokers only, not kids
When NHS guidance and cancer‑charity positions are looked at together, a consistent message appears. Vaping is a useful harm‑reduction tool for adult smokers who are trying to quit, but it is not a harmless lifestyle product for young people or non‑smokers.
For adults who do not smoke, there is no health benefit in starting to vape, and they are advised not to use e‑cigarettes at all. For adults who do smoke, completely switching from cigarettes to a regulated vape is likely to be far less harmful than carrying on smoking, and can be one of the most effective ways to finally stop.
Turning this guidance into action
If you smoke and are thinking about vaping, NHS advice is to choose a regulated product from a reputable UK retailer, use a nicotine level that properly controls cravings, and combine vaping with support from a stop‑smoking service or your GP. Over time, many people can gradually reduce their nicotine strength and, if they wish, eventually stop vaping as well.
Both NHS bodies and UK cancer charities agree on the core goal: a smokefree society where far fewer people die from smoking‑related disease. Used in the right way, regulated vaping is one of the tools that can help adult smokers move away from cigarettes and take a major step towards better health.