Men Who Smoke Cannabis Regularly May Develop Testicular Cancer – Studies

Men who regularly smoke cannabis - commonly known as marijuana - have an increased risk of developing testicular cancer, according to new studies.

Research by a team of US-based scientists whose findings published in this month's Journal of the American Medical Association linked long-term use of the medication with higher rates of the disease.

"Regular marijuana use was associated with [the] development of testicular germ cell tumors," researchers wrote. They underscored that sustained marijuana use "might add the risk" for testicular cancer.

The experts evaluated that long-term users of cannabis were 36 percent more likely to be diagnosed with the potentially-fatal condition compared to similar males who did not use the drug.

What is the scope of marijuana use worldwide?

While some places, such as states in the United States, have legalized the drug, it is strictly prohibited in countries. Nearly 200 million people smoke pot worldwide according to the 2019 World Drug Report, and that number is rising.

Thomas Pietschmann, a UN drug researcher, said medical marijuana was legalized, and weed started becoming decriminalized overall, leading to lower public perceptions of risk.

The United States has also found itself host to a bustling weed market armed with shiny marketing and massive pro-cannabis lobbying forces, according to a news report.

More than 118 million Americans aged 12 or older had used marijuana in their lifetime as of 2018, citing federal data reported in DrugRehab.com. Eleven states, including Washington D.C., had legalized the possession and personal use of marijuana for recreational purposes as of July 2019.  

Common signs and symptoms of testicular cancer

There are multiple risk factors for testicular cancer that must be taken into account, aside from marijuana use. Having undescended testicles, or a family history of the said disease, are also increased risk factors.

The risk of developing testicular cancer decreases with age, according to a news report. The report added that testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in men between the ages of 15 to 49, and half of those diagnosed with the disease are below the age of 35.

Typical symptoms of testicular cancer are a painless swelling or lump in one of the testicles, or any change in shape or texture of the testicles, according to the NHS. It added that the bump can be about the size of a pea, but might be larger.

"Most swellings in the scrotum are not in the testicle and are not a sign of cancer, but should never be ignored," NHS said.

Other indications include an increase in the stiffness of a testicle, difference in appearance between one testicle and the other, dull or sharp pain in your testicles or scrotum, and a feeling of increased weight in your scrotum.

Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer, and the outlook is one of the best for cancers, according to the NHS: 

"It is a relatively rare condition and affects just one percent of all cancers that occur in men."