Janice R. Andrews
A disturbing correlation has been found between regular marijuana use and a higher risk of head and neck malignancies by researchers in a ground-breaking study that was published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery. The total risk of these diseases might be increased by 3.5% to 5% by frequent cannabis usage, according to the study, which examined millions of medical data.
The study’s principal author, Dr. Niels Kokot, stressed its findings. Kokot is a professor of clinical otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. “Our findings demonstrate that cannabis users, especially those with a cannabis use disorder, have a markedly increased risk of developing head and neck cancers in comparison to non-users,” Dr. Kokot stated.
A variety of symptoms, such as cravings, tolerance, increasing intake, and withdrawal symptoms, are indicative of cannabis use disorder. When people display two or more of these symptoms, the disease is considered to be present, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Study Specifics and Results
The study looked at the insurance records of more than 4 million people, using a large dataset. The researchers found more than 116,000 instances of cannabis use disorder among patients with head and neck malignancies. 46 was the mean age of these patients.
The analysis produced startling findings: those with a cannabis use disorder had a roughly 2.5-fold increased risk of oral cancer, a nearly five-fold increased risk of oropharyngeal cancer (which affects the tonsils, back of the throat, and soft palate), and an over-eight-fold increased risk of laryngeal cancer. These results held true for different age groups.
Dr. Joseph Califano, who holds the Iris and Matthew Strauss Chancellor’s Endowment Chair in Head and Neck Surgery at the University of California, San Diego, said, “The use of such a large dataset is extraordinary.” Despite not being a part of the study, Dr. Califano emphasized its importance in an editorial published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery. “This study’s large-scale analysis, which provides insights beyond what smaller studies typically reveal, accounts for its enormous power.”
Sources of Cancer in the Head and Neck
In the US, head and neck malignancies account for around 4% of all cancer cases. According to estimations from the National Foundation for Cancer Research, in 2024 there will be over 71,000 new instances of these malignancies and over 16,000 deaths from them.
Alcohol intake and tobacco use, whether from pipes, cigars, or cigarettes, are the main risk factors for head and neck malignancies. Inadequate dental hygiene, GERD, a compromised immune system, and a diet lacking in fruits and vegetables are additional risk factors. Other recognized risk factors include wood dust and asbestos exposure at work.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections have been more closely associated with head and neck malignancies in recent years. While EBV is linked to a number of malignancies and infectious mononucleosis, HPV, which is well-known for its involvement in cervical cancer, also plays a part in certain non-Hodgkin lymphomas. According to studies, 38% of virus-associated malignancies are thought to be caused by these viruses.
Cannabis and the Development of Cancer
According to the study, smoking marijuana is the primary factor that links cannabis usage with head and neck malignancies. Cannabis is usually smoked unfiltered and retained in the lungs and throat for a longer amount of time than tobacco, which is frequently filtered. Due to extended exposure to toxic smoke, this mode of intake may increase the risk of cancer.
Also, it has been shown that the active ingredients in cannabis, known as cannabinoids, affect the formation of tumors. Numerous cannabinoids have been found, including as THC and CBD (cannabidiol). Studies suggest that THC and THC-like chemicals may hasten the development of tumors. “Our published research shows that THC or similar compounds can significantly enhance tumor growth, especially in throat cancers related to HPV,” says Dr. Califano.
Repercussions and Upcoming Studies
An increasing number of people are worried about the possible long-term health effects of cannabis usage as it becomes more common and socially acceptable. Dr. Kokot cautions that if marijuana usage rises, there may be a commensurate spike in cancer cases if the link between cannabis use and head and neck malignancies is verified.
“This highlights the need for more research to fully understand the long-term effects of cannabis on cancer development and underscores the importance of educating the public about the potential risks associated with cannabis use,” Dr. Kokot said.
In conclusion, even though the study provides strong evidence that regular marijuana use is associated with a higher risk of head and neck malignancies, more investigation is necessary to confirm these results and understand the underlying processes. Research on cannabis will be essential to determining its health effects and developing public health policies as consumption and legalization trends develop.
