We are still learning about all the effects of cannabis use.
Raphael Cuomo, professor of medicine at the University of California, San Diego, explores how it may tie in with one affliction.
Faculty Bio:
Raphael E. Cuomo, PhD, is a globally recognized authority in biomedical science and non-communicable disease epidemiology. His research has shaped how scientists and clinicians understand the intersection of behavioral risk, molecular pathology, and cancer outcomes. With a track record of high-impact, data-driven discoveries, Dr. Cuomo leads efforts to translate complex clinical data into actionable public health insights. He is frequently cited in both academic and international media as a trusted voice in the science of prevention and survivorship.
Transcript:
Colon cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers in the world. At the same time, cannabis use is increasing rapidly in many countries, often with little understanding of its potential long-term health impacts.
In our recent study, we analyzed electronic health records from thousands of patients with colon cancer. We focused on those who had a prior diagnosis of cannabis use disorder—a clinical condition marked by problematic patterns of cannabis use that interfere with health or daily functioning.
What we found was concerning: patients with cannabis use disorder had significantly higher five-year mortality following a colon cancer diagnosis. This effect remained even after accounting for age, race, comorbidities, and other clinical factors. In other words, cannabis use disorder was independently associated with worse survival outcomes.
Why might this be the case? One possibility is that heavy cannabis users may delay seeking care, leading to later-stage diagnoses. Another is that cannabis compounds may interact with cancer biology in ways we don’t yet fully understand. More research is urgently needed to explore both behavioral and biological mechanisms.
As cannabis becomes more normalized, we need to balance public perception with scientific evidence. While cannabis may offer symptom relief for some patients, it is not without risks—especially when used heavily or chronically. Clinicians should feel empowered to ask about cannabis use, and patients should feel safe discussing it openly.
Understanding how lifestyle and behavioral factors influence cancer outcomes is critical to improving survival and guiding public health.
Read More:
Research Article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S104727972500078X
Biographical Page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raphael_E._Cuomo
News Article Discussing Research: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14659567/habit-millions-daily-colon-cancer-death-rate-study.html
News Article Discussing Research: https://nypost.com/2025/04/29/health/colon-cancer-patients-are-24-times-more-likely-to-die-within-5-years-if-they-had-this-habit-before-their-diagnosis/
