A new national survey reveals a striking gap in knowledge among U.S. healthcare practitioners regarding nicotine’s health risks. According to research released by Business Wire on May 21, 2025, two-thirds of surveyed healthcare professionals either mistakenly believe that nicotine itself causes cancer or are unsure of its role. This widespread misconception could have significant implications for patient counseling and tobacco harm reduction efforts.
The survey, conducted among a diverse group of practitioners, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, aimed to assess their understanding of nicotine’s health effects. While it is well-established that cigarette smoking is a leading cause of cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illness, the actual cancer-causing agents are primarily the carcinogens found in tobacco smoke, not nicotine alone. Nicotine is an addictive substance in tobacco but has not been shown to be a direct carcinogen.
Despite this distinction, the survey found that only about one-third of healthcare providers correctly identified that nicotine does not directly cause cancer. The remainder either incorrectly attributed cancer risk to nicotine or expressed uncertainty about its effects. This confusion persists even as nicotine replacement therapies—such as patches, gums, and lozenges—are widely recommended to help smokers quit.
Experts say these findings highlight a critical need for improved education on the differences between nicotine and the other harmful components of tobacco products. Misunderstanding nicotine’s role could lead healthcare practitioners to inadvertently discourage the use of evidence-based cessation aids, potentially making it harder for patients to successfully quit smoking.
“This knowledge gap among healthcare providers is concerning,” said survey authors, noting that providers are often patients’ most trusted sources of health information. Accurate guidance is essential, especially as new nicotine delivery products, like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco devices, become more prevalent. While these products are not risk-free, understanding their relative harms compared to combustible cigarettes is vital for effective harm reduction strategies.
The survey’s results also underscore the complexity of public health messaging around tobacco and nicotine. Differentiating between the dangers of smoking and the properties of nicotine is essential not only for clinicians but also for the public. Failing to do so may reinforce stigma and prevent smokers from accessing tools that could help them reduce harm or quit altogether.
Last modified: May 27, 2025
