Health Newsfeed # 1228
CANCER RISK FROM MARIJUANA
Tobacco companies continue to be rocked by lawsuits from cancer patients.
Yet when it comes to cancers of the head, mouth and neck, marijuana smoke may be even worse.
Scientists know that marijuana contains higher concentrations of carcinogens
and tar than does tobacco. Because it's illegal and people tend to smoke smaller amounts, its been
difficult to prove that cancer is a risk from too much pot. Now a study from a leading cancer center
offers evidence of clear health dangers, especially if a person smokes both marijuana and cigarettes.
Dr. Arlene Forastiere is an associate professor of oncology at Johns Hopkins.
It has potential risks for cancer, lung cancer, oral and other head and
neck cancers...larynx cancer. We know that cigarette smoke and the carcinogens are a direct
cause of these cancers, and marijuana should be thought of in that same category. :16
Cancers of the head, mouth and neck can be cured if caught early, but later
stage cancers can require disfiguring surgery.
At the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, I'm Tom Haederle reporting.
Copyright 2000 The Johns Hopkins University. All rights reserved.
