VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – A new study suggests e-cigarettes are more effective than other nicotine-based aids for kicking the habit.

Provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall says the study, funded by Cancer Research UK, indicates e-cigarettes are more effective than products such as nicotine gum or patches.

Kendall says if you want to give yourself the best chance of quitting, speaking with your doctor and developing a plan based on medications and psychotherapy is the best route.

“If people want to quit cigarettes and stop taking nicotine as well, so that they become completely free of that habit, the best advice would be to contact your physician,” says Kendall.

He adds that while switching to e-cigarettes is likely healthier than smoking tobacco, the vapour can still contain cancer-causing chemicals.