Smoking and Cannabis Use Raise Oral Cancer Risk Dramatically

Research reveals a concerning link between smoking and cannabis use, significantly increasing the risk of oral cancer. A study from UC San Diego indicates that individuals who smoke both cigarettes and marijuana are at a staggering 624% higher risk of developing oral cancer within five years compared to those who smoke cigarettes alone.

The study underscores the dangers associated with smoking, with previous findings indicating that cigarette users are already five to ten times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers. According to Raphael Cuomo, an associate professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine, cannabis smoke contains many carcinogenic compounds similar to those found in tobacco smoke, which pose known risks to the epithelial tissue of the mouth.

Study Highlights and Findings

Oral cancer includes malignancies in the lips, tongue, gums, and the lining of the cheeks and mouth. The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 60,000 new cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer will occur in the United States this year, resulting in approximately 12,800 deaths.

Cuomo’s team analyzed health data from over 45,000 oral cancer patients, including 949 diagnosed with cannabis use disorder. The researchers adjusted for factors such as age, sex, body mass index, and smoking status. Their findings indicate that tobacco smokers with a cannabis addiction are 3.25 times more likely to develop oral cancer compared to those without cannabis use.

The inhalation of smoke is a primary concern, as it can damage mouth tissues. Interestingly, consuming edibles or drinks infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) does not appear to carry the same risk for oral cancer.

Health Recommendations and Future Research

Cuomo advises cannabis users to conduct regular self-checks and seek dental examinations. He emphasized that ongoing research is vital, and awareness of oral health should be integrated into substance use disorder treatment and counseling. His findings were published in the September edition of Preventive Medicine Reports.

This study is not the first to raise alarms about the connection between cannabis use and cancer. A 2024 study from the University of Southern California linked daily marijuana use to a three to five-fold increase in the risk of head and neck cancers, of which oral cancer is a subset.

Cuomo also recommends consulting a dentist or an ear, nose, and throat specialist if any sores, ulcers, or patches in the mouth persist beyond two weeks. Early detection is crucial, as cancers identified in their initial stages are typically more treatable.

As research continues to evolve, public health experts stress the importance of understanding the long-term effects of cannabis and the need for comprehensive health education regarding its risks.