Testicular cancer: long-term marijuana use may increase the risk
13 February 2009
Regular and long-term use of marijuana may be associated with increased risk of testicular cancer, research indicates.
A US population-based, case control study (a study that compares two groups of people — those with the condition and a similar group of people who do not have the condition (controls)) of 369 men aged 18 to 44 found they had a 70 per cent greater risk of being diagnosed with testicular germ cell tumours (the main type of testicular cancer) if they were current marijuana smokers, when compared with 979 controls (Cancer 2009, online first).
Those who first smoked marijuana before 18 years of age were more likely to develop tumours than those who commenced at an older age.
More frequent use further increased the risk of cancer, with those who smoked daily or weekly having a threefold greater risk than controls independent of known testicular cancer risk factors.
Last Reviewed: 13 February 2009
- 1. Cancer 2009, online first
