Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have found alarming links between high cannabis use and poorer survival outcomes in colon cancer patients. Their study revealed that individuals with a documented history of heavy cannabis use were more than 20 times more likely to die within five years of their colon cancer diagnosis compared to non-users.
Heavy Cannabis Use and Colon Cancer Outcomes
The research team, led by Raphael Cuomo, Ph.D., an associate professor in UC San Diego’s Department of Anesthesiology, analyzed electronic health records from over 1,000 colon cancer patients treated across the University of California Health system between 2012 and 2024.
The researchers carefully controlled for factors like age, sex, and tumor staging to isolate the impact of cannabis use. Their findings were striking:
Patients with a history of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) had a five-year mortality rate of 55.88%, compared to only 5.05% among patients without CUD.
Patients with CUD before their cancer diagnosis were 24.4 times more likely to die within five years.
Beyond Laboratory Studies: Real-World Complexity
While certain laboratory studies have hinted that some compounds in cannabis may have anti-tumor effects, real-world cannabis use presents a far more complex picture.
Cuomo emphasized that heavy cannabis use is often associated with depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges, which could reduce a patient’s ability to fully engage with cancer treatment.
“This isn’t about vilifying cannabis,” Cuomo explained. “It’s about understanding the full range of its impacts, especially for people facing serious illnesses.”
He called for more research and nuanced conversations about cannabis’ influence on cancer biology and care.
Implications for Patients and Providers
As cannabis use becomes increasingly prevalent and socially accepted, understanding its long-term health effects is crucial, particularly for vulnerable groups like cancer patients. This study highlights the urgent need for:
More comprehensive patient counseling about cannabis use.
Further research into how cannabis interacts with treatment adherence, immune function, and cancer progression.
Tailored interventions to address the mental health challenges that may be associated with heavy cannabis use among cancer patients.
The study was published in the Annals of Epidemiology. No external funding or conflicts of interest were reported.
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