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Marijuana Use and Lung Cancer: Results of a Case-Control Study

Abstract from the American Thoracic Society International Conference 2006

Abstract from the American Thoracic Society International Conference 2006.

[8:15 am] Marijuana Use and Lung Cancer: Results of a Case-Control Study, [Publication Page: A777]

D.P. Tashkin, M.D., Z.-F. Zhang, M.D., Ph, S. Greenland, Dr.P.H., W. Cozen, D.O., T.M. Mack, M.D., H. Morgenstern, Ph.D., Los Angeles, CA, Ann Arbor, MI

Introduction: Marijuana (MJ) smoke contains several known carcinogens, & heavy habitual use can produce accelerated malignant change in lung explants & pre-malignant histopathologic & molecular changes in bronchial biopsies. While results of experimental animal and epidemiologic studies have been mixed, most epidemiologic studies have been limited by small numbers of heavy long-term MJ users and by sources of possible bias.
Methods: We therefore assessed possible associations between MJ use - including heavy long-term use - and the risk of lung cancer (ca) in middle-aged adults living in Los Angeles County (LAC). A population-based case-control study was conducted by identifying ca cases, ages 18-59, through rapid ascertainment by the LAC Cancer Surveillance Program. Controls were matched to cases on age, gender & neighborhood. Personal interviews were completed in 611 lung ca cases & 1040 controls. Data were collected on lifetime use of MJ (measured in joint-yrs [j-yrs]; 1 j-yr=365 joints), tobacco (tob), alcohol & other drugs, SES, diet, occupation & family hx of ca. Logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of MJ use on lung ca risk, adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education & cumulative tob smoking & alcohol use.

Results:

MJ use, j-yrs # cases # controls OR* (95% C.I.) p value
0 302 474 1 -
>0-<1 162 313 .66 (.49-.90) 0.008
1-<10 64 127 .71 (.46-.90) 0.083
10-<30 30 544 .60 (.32-1.1) 0.077
30-<60 24 23 .94 (.46-1.9) 0.086
60 28 35 .56 (.29-1.1) 0.073
*Adjusted for age, sex, race, educational level tobacco

Conclusion: We did not observe a positive association of MJ use- even heavy long-term use - with lung ca, controlling for tob smoking and other potential confounders.

Session Info: [**] Mini-Symposium, [D12] LUNG CANCER: 2006
Session Time: 8:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Presentation Date: Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Presentation Time: 8:15 AM
Room: Marriott Hall 1-2 (Marriott Pavilion), San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina
UKCIA does not encourage anyone to grow or use cannabis. The aim of the site is as an information resource which will help people fight the injustice of prohibition with the strongest of weapons: Knowledge.

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