Does Snus Cause Cancer? Examining the Scientific Evidence

Snus is a smokeless tobacco product and a common alternative to smoking, allowing you to enjoy nicotine without inhaling harmful cigarette smoke. Still, despite being safer, snus isn’t entirely risk-free.

One of the primary questions among users is, “Does snus cause cancer?” We present scientific evidence exploring potential connections between snus use and different types of cancer.

Can Snus Cause Cancer? What We Know So Far

Source: Eben Kassaye

Is there a link between snus and cancer? This complex question has been the subject of ongoing scientific debate, with studies showing varied and sometimes contradictory results.

According to a comprehensive survey of research by Valen et al., regular snus use may increase the risk of several types of cancer, including:

1. Esophageal cancer
2. Pancreatic cancer
3. Stomach cancer
4. Rectal cancer 
5. Mouth cancer

The Link Between Snus and Esophageal Cancer

While studies on this topic are limited, findings suggest that regular snus use may increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

A study examining the risk of gastroesophageal cancer among smokers and snus users showed that snus users who never smoked had a higher risk of developing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Snus Does Not Cause Pancreatic Cancer—True or False?

The relationship between snus and pancreatic cancer remains unclear, as several studies show contradictory results.

For example, a study of Swedish construction workers found that regular snus use increased pancreatic cancer risk.

Despite this, a recent large-scale study of 424,152 men, of whom 1,447 developed pancreatic cancer, found no significant correlation between snus use and this serious condition.

Snus and Stomach Cancer

While smoking is a known risk factor for gastric cancer, the role of snus is less clear and requires further research.

The study of Swedish construction workers reported a significantly higher risk of stomach cancer among snus users compared to those who never used snus.

Another study examining 514 cases of gastric cancer found no statistical correlation between snus and any type of gastric cancer. A subsequent study that reached a similar conclusion confirmed these findings.

Colorectal, Rectal, and Anal Cancer

A recent study of 417,872 Swedish males, including 4,170 subjects who developed colorectal cancer, found no connection between snus use and this condition. They also found no correlation between snus use and mortality rates after a colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Despite this, the same study observed an increased risk of rectal cancer, which merits further investigation.

An earlier study examining the impact of smoking and snus on rectal and anal cancer found a strong link between snus use and colon cancer, similar to the risk observed in smokers.

Does Snus Cause Mouth Cancer?

Source: Enis Yavuz

Citing three separate studies, Valen et al. reports that snus users are not at a greater risk of developing oral cancers than non-users. Still, some studies show conflicting results.

A recent study of 628 men with oral cancer found no statistically significant difference in incidence between snus users and those who never used snus. These findings are consistent with the earlier study involving 125,576 non-smoking Swedish construction workers who used snus.

Despite this, several studies suggest a possible link between snus use and oral cancer. One study examining four cases of oral cancer in regular snus users suggested that snus could be a significant risk factor, as the carcinoma was located in the area of the mouth where snus was typically placed. 

Another study comparing mortality rates between 9,976 snus users and non-users suggested that snus use may significantly increase oral cancer risk.

Does American Snus Cause Cancer?

Source: Ralphs_Fotos

There is currently no research investigating cancer risks associated with American snus products like Camel and Skoal.

A recent study analyzed the chemical composition of American snus products and found they contain higher levels of tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs)—harmful, carcinogenic chemicals naturally present in tobacco.

According to this study, TSNA levels in American snus are twice higher than in Swedish snus products, suggesting an increased cancer risk.

Snus vs. Dip—Cancer Risks Compared

Source: Afif Ramdhasuma

Both snus and dip contain tobacco, but they differ significantly in how the tobacco is treated. Snus uses pasteurized tobacco, while dip tobacco is fermented in barrels, allowing it to develop its characteristic taste and texture slowly.

While this traditional American way has been used for centuries, dip tobacco contains high TSNA levels, increasing the risk of several cancers.

Dip tobacco is also consumed differently than snus. Users place a pouch or a small pinch of dip under the lower lip, which increases saliva production. Excessive saliva extracts harmful chemicals from tobacco, increasing the risk of oral lesions, leukoplakia, and cancer.

The table below shows some key differences between dip and snus:

Additional Health Risks of Snus

Besides increased cancer risks, regular snus use may lead to several other health issues:

• Type 2 diabetes—While research is inconclusive, several studies suggest that high snus consumption may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. More recent studies show that this condition is unrelated to snus, citing the chemicals in tobacco smoke as the main culprit
• Metabolic syndrome—This is an umbrella term for several factors that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. According to the American Heart Association, frequent snus use increases the risk of developing metabolic syndrome
• Asthma—A large-scale study involving 26,697 participants aged 16–75 shows that regular snus users are more likely to develop asthma and snoring
• Gingivitis—As snus contains tobacco, it can cause several oral health issues, such as gum irritation and gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease, leading to gum recession and tooth loss in severe cases

Nicotine Pouches—A Safer Alternative to Snus

Source: SnusBoss

Nicotine pouches are 100% tobacco-free and use pharmaceutical nicotine and food-grade ingredients, resulting in the safest way to enjoy nicotine.

Here are the ingredients typically found in a nicotine pouch:

• High-grade nicotine
• Plant-based fibers
• pH balancers
• Various flavorings
• Natural and artificial sweeteners

While addictive, nicotine itself isn’t carcinogenic and has alleged benefits, namely enhancing performance. Nicotine also doesn’t contain carcinogenic TSNAs.

Nicotine pouches don’t cause teeth stains, unlike tobacco, which is known to cause staining and discoloration that can be hard to treat. Being tobacco-free, nicopods also eliminate unpleasant odors and keep your breath fresh.

Potential Side Effects

Unlike snus and dip, potential side effects caused by nicotine pouches are rare, mild, and easily manageable with moderate use. Some symptoms you may encounter with excessive consumption include:

• Dizziness and headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Elevated blood pressure and heart rate
• Acid reflux
• Hiccups
• Gum irritation
• Sore throat

If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using nicotine pouches and consult a medical professional. To minimize the risk of gum irritation, try using a different spot in your mouth every time you consume a pouch.

How To Use a Nicotine Pouch

Nicotine pouches are easy to use. This is all you need to do:

1. Place one pouch between your gums and upper lip
2. Leave the pouch in for 5 to 45 minutes, depending on your preference and nicotine tolerance
3. Once you feel satisfied, dispose of the pouch responsibly

SnusBoss—Your Best Source of Premium Nicotine Pouches

Run by a team of industry experts with years of experience, SnusBoss is a reputable retailer of high-quality, mainly European nicotine pouches. These nicopods deliver a superior experience compared to U.S. products, featuring richer flavors, more moisture, and a stronger kick.

The FDA’s decision to classify nicotine pouches as tobacco products, despite them being tobacco-free, discouraged U.S. manufacturers from developing new products due to complex pre-market evaluations and regulatory procedures. This gave EU manufacturers a competitive edge, allowing them to refine their recipes and production techniques to produce superior products.

See the table below for a complete list of exceptional nicotine pouch brands available at SnusBoss:

Follow these easy steps to order your favorite nicotine pouches from SnusBoss:

1. Visit the online store
2. Select your preferred brand, strength, and flavor
3. Enter your shipping and billing info

Select express delivery at checkout to receive your pouches in 2–3 business days. Plus, orders over $249 qualify for free shipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Nicotine Pouches Snus?

No, nicotine pouches are not the same as snus, even though they look the same and are used similarly. The main distinction is that snus contains pasteurized tobacco, while nicotine pouches are 100% tobacco-free. Nicotine pouches use pharmaceutical-grade nicotine to deliver the buzz while eliminating most of the health risks associated with tobacco.

Does Nicotine Cause Dependence?

Yes, regular exposure to nicotine can cause dependence, leading to long-term addiction. If you’ve never used tobacco or nicotine products before, it’s best to avoid nicotine pouches and snus altogether.

Is There Anyone Who Shouldn’t Use Snus or Nicotine Pouches?

Certain individuals are especially sensitive to nicotine and should avoid using all nicotine products, including nicotine pouches. These groups include minors under the age of 21, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and individuals with a history of cardiovascular issues.

Featured image source: CALITORE