Data Suggests Cannabis Use Is Negatively Associated With Cancer Risk

Cancer is cruel.

If you or someone that you know was ever diagnosed with cancer, then you are well aware of how terrible it is.

Receiving a diagnosis that you or a loved one has cancer is something that is absolutely heartbreaking.

It is estimated that roughly 17 million people were diagnosed with cancer in 2018 worldwide.

Unfortunately, that number is expected to increase to 27.5 million by 2040.

Cancer prevention strategies and awareness is extremely important for obvious reasons. 

Various lifestyle choices increase or decrease the risk of someone being diagnosed with cancer, including a healthy diet and sufficient physical activity.

Cannabis has been found by many patients to help their overall wellness, and various anecdotal evidence suggests that it can fight cancer.

A recent study looked at data and concluded that the anecdotal claims about cannabis and cancer could be based on sound science.

Examining the Data

A college professor in North America recently examined data to see if there was any relation between cancer rates and cannabis use.

Specifically, the professor reviewed data from 34 studies that focused on cancer and cannabis to assess whether or not there was any trend to suggest that cannabis fights or causes certain types of cancers.

According to the analysis, people who self identified as having a history of cannabis use were associated with a roughly 10% reduction in the risk of developing cancer.

That reduction in cancer risk even applied to lung cancer according to the data analysis.

The study’s author concluded, “The current analysis suggests an association of cannabis use with a substantial decrease in risk of non-testicular cancers, with moderate effect size, and a non-significant increase in risk of testicular cancer, with negligible effect size.” 

“This suggests that cannabis use may substantially decrease the death rate from cancer in the United States.” the professor went on to say.

Always Keep Cannabis Cancer Studies in Perspective

The cannabis plant can provide a number of wellness benefits, and the results of this data analysis are very encouraging.

With that being said, people need to always keep cannabis cancer studies in perspective, especially when sharing the results of a study with someone that has been diagnosed.

No plant on earth will cure all forms of cancer every single time, and that goes for the cannabis plant.

What works in one situation may not work in a different situation.

It’s very much case dependent.

However, it is also very much worth noting that cannabis is non-toxic and is safer than most pharmaceutical drugs.

Patients should always talk to their doctor to determine what type of cannabis strategy is best for their situation.