Marijuana and Testicular Cancer

Posted by Anthony Lee Feb 21, 2009

Recently, the journal Cancer published a study that explored a possible link between marijuana and testicular cancer in men. The investigators conceived the idea when it was observed that marijuana use and rates of testicular cancer were on the rise in the same time period. In summary, the study was a case-control study that compared 369 men with testicular cancer with 979 men who did not have testicular cancer. Marijuana was found to be more frequent in the former than the latter.

Keep in mind that the study found only an association. In order to determine if marijuana could cause testicular cancer, further studies need to be conducted, such as those that focus on testicular cells and whether they have receptors to cannabinoids, the active component of marijuana.

Although testicular cancer is not common, it tends to appear silently, if at all. It might not be a bad idea for men to periodically self-examine the testes. A good place to do so would be in the shower. Some might find such a preventive measure to be questionable, especially when it's hard to make it a habit, but at this time, it's probably better than nothing.

Source: Daling, Janet, et al. "Association of Marijuana Use and the Incidence of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors." Cancer. February 9, 2009.