A recent study has found that heavy and regular cannabis use may increase the risk of developing head and neck cancers. The study analyzed medical records from over 116,000 adults in the U.S. with cannabis use disorder (CUD) over a 20-year period. CUD is characterized by problematic cannabis use that leads to significant impairment or distress, tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.
Compared to adults without CUD, individuals with CUD were found to be 3.5 to five times more likely to develop head and neck cancers, including cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, saliva glands, and oropharynx. This is one of the largest studies to date associating head and neck cancer with cannabis use, highlighting the importance of understanding behaviors that increase cancer risk.
The study utilized data from TriNetX, a database of patient information from 64 U.S. health centers, and compared individuals with CUD to those without the disorder. Factors such as age, sex, alcohol use, and tobacco use were taken into account, as these are known to be major contributors to head and neck cancers.
While the study did not delve into the specifics of how cannabis was consumed, such as smoking or ingesting edibles, it did raise concerns about the potential carcinogenic properties of cannabinoids and cannabis smoke. The study’s limitations include self-reported cannabis use and unknown exposure doses.
Although it is too early to definitively establish a link between heavy cannabis use and head and neck cancers, the implications of the study are significant. As cannabis use becomes more prevalent, it is essential to monitor any potential associations with cancer. Medical advice should be sought regarding the risks of cannabis use and its impact on health.
For more information on human body functions and health-related questions, you can submit your queries to community@livescience.com with the subject line “Health Desk Q.” Your question may be featured on the Live Science website.
