Cannabis use and risk of lung cancer: a case-control study

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine the risk of lung cancer associated with cannabis smoking.A case-control study of lung cancer in adults f55 yrs of age was conducted in eight district health boards in New Zealand. Cases were identified from the New Zealand Cancer Registry and hospital databases. Controls were randomly selected from the electoral roll, with frequency matching to cases in 5-yr age groups and district health boards. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to assess possible risk factors, including cannabis use. The relative risk of lung cancer associated with cannabis smoking was estimated by logistic regression.In total, 79 cases of lung cancer and 324 controls were included in the study. The risk of lung cancer increased 8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 2-15) for each joint-yr of cannabis smoking, after adjustment for confounding variables including cigarette smoking, and 7% (95% CI 5-9) for each pack-yr of cigarette smoking, after adjustment for confounding variables including cannabis smoking. The highest tertile of cannabis use was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer (relative risk 5.7 (95% CI 1.5-21.6)), after adjustment for confounding variables including cigarette smoking.In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that long-term cannabis use increases the risk of lung cancer in young adults.

Medical Marijuana and Driving: a Review

“…In its smoked form, marijuana may increase the risk of cancer due to tar content and other carcinogens [9,10]. Smoked marijuana may also adversely affect pulmonary function and immune modulation, leading to increased risk of pulmonary infections [10].…”

Alcohol and Marijuana Use and Treatment Nonadherence Among Medically Vulnerable Youth

“…35,36 We found no evidence of variation in alcohol use risk across medical conditions, but some evidence of condition-varying risk for marijuana use, which was least prevalent among youth with asthma and cystic fibrosis, as might be expected given the exacerbating effects of smoking on respiratory function. 37,38 Marijuana use also was relatively low among youth with arthritis. Confirming and understanding condition-varying risks for marijuana use is important to understanding outcomes and merits additional investigation; marijuana use may ameliorate symptoms for some conditions, confounding treatment effects.…”

Cannabis and lung cancer

“…The point made by ALDINGTON et al [1] in relation to the lack of research into the molecular underpinnings of cannabis-related oncogenesis is particularly relevant at a period in research history when the molecular bases of disease have received unprecedented attention. It is to be expected that their elucidation might lead to better understanding of the mechanisms of common disorders including cancer and, in time, improved therapeutics.…”

“…The elegant and eminent study by ALDINGTON et al [1] of the Cannabis and Respiratory Disease Research group is to be welcomed at a time when, as the authors rightly point out, there are many suggestive case studies and clinical series on lung cancer, and indeed other tumours, occurring particularly at younger ages in past and present smokers of cannabis. The authors' careful methodology and succinct summary of much of the relevant literature in relation to this subject is a relevant and timely addition to the literature, particularly in the context of increased interest in this subject in both lay and professional circles.…”