Raises risk
Low-tar or low-nicotine cigarettes
sold as lighter or safer. Work & lifestyle.
- Verdict
- Raises riskStudies link it to higher cancer risk.
- How sure
- Rung 5 · EstablishedLarge randomized trials or overwhelming, consistent human evidence; reflected in major guidelines.
The rung shows how sure the science is, not how big the effect is. How to read these ratings
Cancers affected
Lung
What the evidence shows
The National Cancer Institute says studies have shown that smoking low-tar or low-nicotine cigarettes does not lower the risk of lung cancer.
What to do
Switching brands doesn't protect you; quitting does.
Sources
To take it to your doctor, print this page.
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the lung cancer page.