Daily cannabis use over several years may increase the risk of head and neck cancers up to five times, according to new research that analyzed over 4 million medical records. The findings come amid ongoing difficulties in studying cannabis effects, including self-reporting inaccuracies and limited funding for comprehensive research. Researchers analyzed data from the US Collaborative network, a global network of electronic health records.
The team divided patient records into two groups: those with and without cannabis-related disorders. Any head and neck cancer (HNC): 3.49 times higher Laryngeal cancer: 8.
39 times higher Nasopharyngeal cancer: 2.60 times higher Oral cancer: 2.51 times higher Oropharyngeal cancer: 4.
90 times higher Salivary gland cancer: 2.70 times higher The risk for any HNC increased to 4.40 times higher Oral cancer risk increased to 3.
11 times higher Oropharyngeal cancer risk increased to 6.70 times higher Laryngeal cancer risk slightly decreased to 7.10 times higher, but remained significant Nasopharyngeal and salivary gland cancer risks were no longer significant The risk for any HNC further increased to 5.
00 times higher Risks for specific HNC types were no longer statistically significant, likely due to smaller sample sizes Despite its potential benefits, cannabis use remains controversial, partly due to its ability to cause addictive-like behaviors leading to cannabis-related disorders. The research team defines these disorders as excessive drug use resulting in “associated psychosocial symptoms,” including impaired social or occupational functioning. The researchers emphasize the need for further studies to better understand the associated risks.
The potential link between cannabis use and head and neck cancers has substantial public health implications, given the rising cannabis use among young adults and trends toward legalization. Given the growing popularity of cannabis, particularly among young adults, and the ongoing legalization efforts, it’s important to conduct more research to fully understand the potential health risks associated with its use, the authors noted. Currently, cannabis is legal for medical use in 38 states and recreational use in 24 states.
The association between cannabis and head and neck cancer in this study spanned two decades during rapid growth in use, he noted. If this association is causative, the burden of [head and neck squamous cell carcinoma] attributable to cannabis may continue to increase dramatically,” Dr. Caliafano added.
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