Assessing the Association Between Head and Neck Cancers and Electronic Cigarette Use as Compared to Conventional Cigarette Use: Analysis of Results from National Health Interview Survey 2020-2022
Vol. 67 No. 2 (2026), Non Comunicable Diseases
Vol. 67 No. 2 (2026)

Assessing the Association Between Head and Neck Cancers and Electronic Cigarette Use as Compared to Conventional Cigarette Use: Analysis of Results from National Health Interview Survey 2020-2022

Non Comunicable Diseases
https://doi.org/10.82082/2421-4248/jpmh2026.67.2.3424
Published 2026-07-20
Amal Mohammed Sunyur
College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madina, Saudi Arabia
Duaa Salem Alkhayat
College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madina, Saudi Arabia
Mohammed Abdullah Alahmadi
College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madina, Saudi Arabia
Heba Adnan Mohammad
College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madina, Saudi Arabia
Sulaiman Abdullah
College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madina, Saudi Arabia
Zakaria Yahya Khawaji
College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madina, Saudi Arabia
Ahmad Salim Badawi
College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madina, Saudi Arabia
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Keywords

Tobacco Smoking
Electronic Cigarette
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
Laryngeal cancer
Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Objectives. Head and neck cancers (HNC) are major global issues that are associated with tobacco use. The increasing prevalence of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) necessitates exploring their health risks. The aim of the study is to identify the HNC risk associated of e-cigarettes compared to conventional cigarettes.

Methods. Data from the National Interview Health Survey (NHIS) from 2020-2022 was analyzed. The diagnosis of HNC was the primary outcome. Exposure included electronic and conventional cigarette use. Regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between both variables.

Results. The study included 77,419 individuals, with 409 of whom were diagnosed with HNC. Conventional cigarette use was higher in the HNC group compared to the non-HNC group (46.6% vs. 32.3%, p<0.001) with a higher risk of HNC (OR: 1.583, p<0.001). Subgroup analysis showed elevated risk of developing laryngeal cancer (OR: 11.774), pharyngeal cancer (OR: 2.329), and mouth and tongue cancer (OR: 1.08, p<0.001 for all) with conventional cigarettes. E-cigarette use had a lower prevalence in the HNC group (15%) compared to the non-HNC group (18.4%, p<0.001), but higher odds of having HNC (OR: 1.619, p<0.001), particularly for mouth and tongue cancer (OR: 5.18) and pharyngeal cancer (OR: 1.19, p<0.001 for both).

Conclusion. Electronic cigarette use is associated with an increased risk of head and neck cancers, comparable to that of conventional cigarette use. This highlights the need for further research on the long-term effects of e-cigarette use.

https://doi.org/10.82082/2421-4248/jpmh2026.67.2.3424
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