Introduction to Oral Cancer Risk
Smoking leaves more than just a bad taste in your mouth — it could be fueling your oral cancer risk. Studies have consistently reported that cigarette users are five to 10 times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers.
The Impact of Cannabis on Oral Cancer
A new study out of UC San Diego suggests that a chronic weed habit carries a higher risk of oral cancer as well. Researchers determined that people who often smoke marijuana are 3.25 times more likely to contract the disease within five years compared to those without cannabis use disorder.
“Cannabis smoke contains many of the same carcinogenic compounds found in tobacco smoke, which have known damaging effects on the epithelial tissue that lines the mouth,” said Raphael Cuomo, an associate professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at UC San Diego School of Medicine and member of UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center.
Understanding Oral Cancer
Oral cancer encompasses cancers of the lips, tongue, gums and the lining of the cheeks and mouth. The American Cancer Society projects that there will be nearly 60,000 new US cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer this year and about 12,800 deaths. Known risk factors of oral cancer include tobacco use, chronic alcohol consumption and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Combining Habits Increases Risk
Cuomo’s team analyzed health data from over 45,000 oral cancer patients, including 949 who had been formally diagnosed with cannabis use disorder. They accounted for age, sex, body mass index and smoking status. They calculated that tobacco smokers with a cannabis addiction are 624% more likely to contract oral cancer within five years compared to cigarette users not prone to smoking marijuana.
The researchers posited that the inhaled smoke is to blame because it can damage mouth tissues. Edibles and beverages infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in cannabis, don’t seem to carry a similar oral cancer risk as smoking weed.
Importance of Regular Check-Ups
“Research is still evolving, so regular self-checks and dental exams remain wise for all cannabis users,” Cuomo told The Post. His findings were published in the September edition of Preventive Medicine Reports. The researchers emphasized that there should be more exploration of the long-term effects of cannabis, and oral health awareness should be highlighted in substance use disorder treatment and counseling.
Previous Studies on Cannabis and Cancer
The UCSD study is not the first to sound the alarm about cannabis use and cancer. A 2024 study out of the University of Southern California linked daily marijuana use to a three to five-fold increase in the risk of head and neck cancers. Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer.
Early Detection and Prevention
Cuomo suggests seeing a dentist or an ear, nose and throat specialist if you have a sore, ulcer or red or white patch in your mouth that has not healed after two weeks, especially if you have a lump, numbness, bleeding or pain when swallowing. “Early evaluation is critical because oral cancers caught in the first stage are usually curable,” he said.
Conclusion
The combination of smoking cigarettes and marijuana significantly increases the risk of oral cancer. It is essential for individuals who use these substances to be aware of the risks and take preventive measures, such as regular self-checks and dental exams. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of cannabis use on oral health.
FAQs
Q: What is the risk of oral cancer for cigarette smokers who also smoke marijuana?
A: Tobacco smokers with a cannabis addiction are 624% more likely to contract oral cancer within five years compared to cigarette users not prone to smoking marijuana.
Q: Does smoking marijuana increase the risk of oral cancer?
A: Yes, people who often smoke marijuana are 3.25 times more likely to develop oral cancer within five years compared to those without cannabis use disorder.
Q: What are the known risk factors of oral cancer?
A: Known risk factors of oral cancer include tobacco use, chronic alcohol consumption and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Q: How can I reduce my risk of oral cancer?
A: Regular self-checks, dental exams, and avoiding the use of tobacco and marijuana can help reduce the risk of oral cancer.
Q: What should I do if I have a sore or ulcer in my mouth that has not healed after two weeks?
A: You should see a dentist or an ear, nose and throat specialist, especially if you have a lump, numbness, bleeding or pain when swallowing.
