One of the best ways to prevent cancer is to catch it early. This is only possible by staying up to date with recommended screenings for cancer. Cannabis has been shown to help cancer patients going through chemotherapy, and research into how it may further help patients continues.
This may make people think that stoners and people who like weed are less at risk of contracting cancer. Unfortunately, a different study shows that cannabis consumers may be missing an essential step in prevention.
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A report published in Oncology Practice identified that cannabis consumers have one thing in common: they miss their recommended cancer screenings. Researchers analyzed Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey data to find out whether cannabis use impacted whether people adhered to recommended cancer screenings.
The study used data from 230,000 patients who self-reported the information. Those who consumed 20 to 30 days in the previous month were considered high-frequency users. Moderate use was defined as consuming one to 19 times in the last 30 days. Colorectal and cervical cancer screenings were not impacted by cannabis consumption, but that was not true for prostate and breast cancer screenings.
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There was lower adherence to breast cancer screening for high-frequency users. Moderate use did not impact this screening probability. Any cannabis use was associated with lower recommended prostate screening compliance. The research paper suggests closer monitoring for breast and prostate cancer screening for cannabis consumers.
Cervical cancer incidence rates increased by one to two percent in the U.S. last year, and prostate cancer incidence rates were up two to three percent in the same year. This may be even higher for cannabis consumers based on this research. Whether weed helps people stave off cancer or not, everyone should adhere to the recommended screening protocols to avoid a late-stage diagnosis.
