Attitudes of people diagnosed with cancer and cancer care providers towards use of nicotine vaping products in high-income countries: a scoping review

Purpose: To investigate the attitudes, beliefs and perceptions of people diagnosed with cancer and health practitioners on use of nicotine vaping products.

Methods: Scopus and OVID Medline were searched for papers published between 2013 and 2023. Two authors independently selected the studies and extracted data, with conflicts resolved through discussion. Nine studies were selected for further synthesis. Reporting follows the PRISMA Scoping Reviews checklist.

Results: E-cigarettes were commonly perceived as less harmful compared to conventional cigarettes and less detrimental to cancer treatment effectiveness among people with a current or previous cancer diagnosis. This population also cited smoking cessation, smoking in non-smoking areas and less risky alternative as the most common reasons for e-cigarette use. Nevertheless, low levels of clinician support on the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool/alternative were identified.

Conclusion: Findings show differences in beliefs and attitudes of e-cigarettes between clinicians and people diagnosed with cancer. Additional research into the health impacts of e-cigarettes in people with a current or previous cancer diagnosis will allow for greater congruence between patients and clinicians and assist providers in recommending effective tools for smoking cessation within this population.

Implications for Cancer Survivors: This study provides an overview of the attitudes, beliefs and perceptions of e-cigarette use among people with a current or previous diagnosis of cancer and health practitioners. Given the increased prevalence of e-cigarette use within this population, these findings highlight a greater need for dialogue between patients and clinicians regarding the safety and efficacy of these devices.