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August 8, 2024 – A new study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery highlights a significant health risk associated with excessive cannabis use: a more than threefold increase in the risk of developing head and neck cancers.
Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California analyzed data from over 4 million patients within a globally federated health research network, TriNetX, encompassing 64 healthcare organizations across the United States. This large-scale analysis, which included 116,076 individuals diagnosed with cannabis-related disorders, suggests a potential carcinogenic effect linked to cannabis overuse.
Key Findings:
The study found that individuals with cannabis-related disorders—a condition characterized by excessive cannabis use leading to impaired social and occupational functioning—had a significantly higher risk of developing head and neck cancers. The relative risk (RR) for any head and neck cancer in these patients was 3.49 (95% CI, 2.78-4.39) compared to those without the disorder.
Specific cancer risks were also notably elevated:
- Oral cancer: RR, 2.51 (95% CI, 1.81-3.47)
- Oropharyngeal cancer: RR, 4.90 (95% CI, 2.99-8.02)
- Laryngeal cancer: RR, 8.39 (95% CI, 4.72-14.90)
The study used propensity score matching and Poisson regression analysis to ensure a robust comparison between patients with and without cannabis-related disorders, accounting for demographic characteristics, alcohol-related disorders, and tobacco use.
Implications for Public Health:
The findings underscore the need for further research to understand the mechanisms by which cannabis may contribute to cancer development. “If this association is causative, the burden of head and neck cancers attributable to cannabis will continue to increase, and perhaps dramatically,” the study authors warned. Given the growing popularity and expanding legal market for cannabis, these potential health risks warrant close attention.
Limitations of the Study:
While the study provides compelling evidence, it also has limitations. These include the lack of detailed information on cannabis dosage, frequency of use, and direct exposure duration, as well as the potential for underreporting of cannabis use. Additionally, the reliance on medical record codes and the possibility of inconsistent diagnoses may introduce bias.
Conclusion:
As cannabis use becomes increasingly mainstream, understanding its full range of health effects is crucial. This study serves as a call to action for more comprehensive research on cannabis’s potential carcinogenic effects, particularly as its use continues to rise across the United States.
Disclosure:
The study was led by Tyler J. Gallagher and Niels C. Kokot, MD, with funding from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. Additional disclosures are noted in the original article.
