A new study from the USC Head and Neck Center reveals a concerning connection between cannabis use and an increased risk of head and neck cancer. The research, published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, suggests that individuals with cannabis use disorder may face a significantly higher likelihood of developing these cancers compared to non-users.
Unveiling the Cannabis-Cancer Connection
The large-scale, multicenter study analyzed data from 64 healthcare organizations, covering over 90 million individuals over a 20-year period. The results show that adults diagnosed with cannabis use disorder are 3.5 to 5 times more likely to develop head and neck cancer than those who do not use cannabis.
Dr. Niels Kokot, senior author of the study and a head and neck surgeon with the USC Head and Neck Center, emphasizes the significance of these findings: “This is one of the first studies — and the largest that we know of to date — to associate head and neck cancer with cannabis use. The detection of this risk factor is important because head and neck cancer may be preventable once people know which behaviors increase their risk.”
Head and neck cancer, the sixth most common cancer globally, encompasses various types including cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oropharynx, and adjacent salivary glands. The study found that cannabis use disorder was associated with higher rates across all these cancer types.
Understanding the Mechanism Behind the Risk
While the study did not distinguish between different methods of cannabis consumption, the researchers hypothesize that the primary cause of increased cancer risk is the damaging effect of smoke inhalation. Dr. Kokot explains, “Cannabis smoking is typically unfiltered and involves deeper inhalation compared to tobacco. Additionally, cannabis burns at a higher temperature than tobacco, increasing the risk of cancer-causing inflammation.”
This theory aligns with existing knowledge about tobacco smoke, which contains numerous chemicals known to cause DNA damage and inflammation. The researchers speculate that cannabis smoke may have similar, or potentially worse, effects.
Importantly, the study found that the increased prevalence of head and neck cancer among cannabis users was independent of other factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and even alcohol and tobacco use – both of which are known risk factors for these cancers.
Why it matters: As cannabis use becomes more widespread and accepted in many parts of the world, understanding its potential health impacts is crucial. This study provides valuable information for public health officials, healthcare providers, and individuals to make informed decisions about cannabis use and its potential risks.
The findings raise several important questions and considerations:
1. How does the method of cannabis consumption (smoking, vaping, edibles) affect cancer risk?
2. Are there specific components of cannabis that contribute to cancer development?
3. How does the frequency and duration of cannabis use relate to cancer risk?
Future research will likely focus on addressing these questions and exploring potential mechanisms by which cannabis use may contribute to cancer development. Additionally, studies may investigate whether there are ways to mitigate these risks for medical cannabis users who rely on the drug for symptom management.
As cannabis laws continue to evolve worldwide, this research underscores the importance of ongoing scientific investigation into both the potential benefits and risks associated with its use. Public health campaigns may need to incorporate this information to educate users about the possible long-term consequences of cannabis use, particularly in relation to head and neck cancer risk.
