Vaping, Smoking and Lung Cancer Risk E cigarettes are not a healthier alternative to cigarettes. They contain nicotine and many harmful ingredients that can cause cancer and heart disease. Since these products are relatively new, we don't know all Many students believe that vaping harmless, which is far from the truth. Vape pens can contain potentially harmful substances such as chemicals linked to lung disease, cancer causing chemicals, heavy metals such as Does Vaping Cause Cancer? Expert Insights on Risks Does Vaping Cause Lung Cancer? Evidence update on the cancer risk of vaping e cigarettes: A systematic review