By Munyaradzi Blessing Doma
A leading French oncologist has called on cancer specialists worldwide to take an active role in Tobacco Harm Reduction and help correct misconceptions about nicotine and its link to cancer.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2025 Technovation Summit in Dubai, Professor David Khayat, an oncologist at Pierre et Marie University in Paris, said oncologists have a duty to promote science-based communication around smoking and nicotine use.
We as oncologists have to trust science, and science says nicotine does not cause cancer, so let’s stick to that,” said Dr Khayat. “People want nicotine, not tobacco. So let’s give nicotine without tobacco.”
Dr Khayat said doctors are trusted voices in our societies and should use their influence to promote accurate information about the risks and alternatives available to smokers. “We have to use these voices like I am doing,” he said.
Having treated thousands of cancer patients during his career, Dr Khayat said he has witnessed the devastating toll smoking-related diseases take on families.
“I have seen mothers, wives, and children in pain because of cancer. I hope that the next generation of oncologists will see fewer of these tragic cases,” he said.
He emphasised that oncologists, as experts in cancer care and prevention, should be at the forefront of explaining the science behind Tobacco Harm Reduction and dispelling myths surrounding nicotine.
In a separate interview, Tomoko Iida, Director of Scientific Engagement for South and Southeast Asia, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Middle East and Africa at Philip Morris International (PMI), echoed Dr Khayat’s sentiments. She said one of the biggest barriers to Tobacco Harm Reduction is misinformation about nicotine.
“This misconception that nicotine causes cancer is something we need to address,” said Iida. “People think nicotine is the bad guy, but it is not the primary cause of smoking-related diseases. It doesn’t cause cancer or respiratory diseases like COPD and emphysema, and it is not a cardiovascular toxicant.”
Iida said the confusion stems from the fact that, historically, nicotine was consumed almost exclusively through smoking. “Now is the time to separate the harm caused by burning tobacco from the effects of nicotine itself,” she said. “We need to educate the public, governments, and medical authorities with accurate information about nicotine.”
She explained that nicotine is addictive but not carcinogenic. “Nicotine is addictive, but it is not a cancer-causing or respiratory toxicant. However, it is a reproductive and developmental toxicant, meaning it can affect young people, pregnant women, and infants,” she said.
According to Iida, this is why responsible regulation is essential. “Nicotine products should never be used by minors, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers. We are very strict about that,” she said.
She added that collaboration with governments and health authorities is critical to ensure proper regulation and enforcement so that only intended adult users have access to nicotine-based alternatives.
“The goal is not to promote nicotine-use but to provide better options for adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke. It is about reducing harm, not creating new risks,” Iida said.
The discussions at the Technovation Summit highlighted a growing consensus among scientists and health experts that nicotine, while addictive, is not the main culprit behind smoking-related diseases. The harm comes primarily from the burning of tobacco, which produces thousands of harmful chemicals.
