Report on the Association Between Cannabis Use Disorder and Oral Cancer Risk

Introduction and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 3

This report details findings from a recent study investigating the link between Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) and the incidence of oral cancer. The research provides critical data that directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Specifically, the findings inform Target 3.4, concerning the reduction of premature mortality from non-communicable diseases like cancer, and Target 3.5, which focuses on strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.

Methodology and Core Findings

The study, conducted by researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine, analyzed the electronic health records of over 45,000 patients. The primary objective was to assess the correlation between a CUD diagnosis and the subsequent development of oral cancer. The key statistical outcomes are as follows:

1. Individuals with CUD demonstrated a 325% higher likelihood of developing oral cancer within a five-year period compared to individuals without the disorder, after adjusting for variables such as age, sex, body mass index, and tobacco smoking status.
2. For individuals who use tobacco, a concurrent CUD diagnosis was associated with a 624% greater likelihood of contracting oral cancer within five years when compared to tobacco smokers who do not have CUD.

Analysis of Risk Factors and Public Health Implications for SDG 3

The research highlights that the health risks associated with cannabis smoke parallel those of tobacco, a major focus of global health initiatives under SDG 3.

• Shared Carcinogens: Dr. Raphael Cuomo noted, “Cannabis smoke contains many of the same carcinogenic compounds found in tobacco smoke, which have known damaging effects on the epithelial tissue that lines the mouth.” This underscores the importance of public health campaigns that address the dangers of all forms of smoke inhalation to meet SDG Target 3.4.
• Additional Contributing Factors: The study hypothesizes that risks may extend beyond combustion products. The psychoactive compound in cannabis, THC, is known to have immune-suppressing effects. This potential mechanism could compound cancer risk, reinforcing the need for comprehensive research and prevention strategies as mandated by SDG 3. The strong association, even after controlling for tobacco use, suggests CUD is an independent risk factor that public health policies must address to achieve SDG Target 3.5.

Conclusion: Strengthening Prevention to Achieve Global Health Goals

The findings establish a significant statistical link between Cannabis Use Disorder and an elevated risk of oral cancer. This evidence is crucial for advancing SDG 3 by providing a clear rationale for integrating cannabis use education into public health and cancer prevention programs. By identifying CUD as a significant risk factor, both independently and in conjunction with tobacco use, this research empowers healthcare providers and policymakers to develop more effective strategies to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (Target 3.4) and strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse (Target 3.5).

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article’s central theme is the link between cannabis use and health, specifically the increased risk of oral cancer. It discusses how “Cannabis smoke contains many of the same carcinogenic compounds found in tobacco smoke” and how Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) significantly increases the likelihood of developing oral cancer. This directly relates to the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages by identifying and raising awareness of a significant health risk.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

   The article directly supports this target by focusing on the prevention of a non-communicable disease (oral cancer). The research highlights a preventable risk factor, stating that “chronic or problematic cannabis use may contribute to cancer risk.” By identifying that people with CUD have a “325 percent times higher likelihood of contracting oral cancer,” the study provides crucial information for prevention strategies aimed at reducing premature illness and mortality from cancer.

2. Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.

   The research specifically investigates the health consequences of “Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD),” which is a form of substance abuse. The article’s findings, which show a dramatically increased cancer risk for individuals with CUD, underscore the severe health impacts of substance abuse. This evidence strengthens the case for robust prevention and treatment programs for CUD to mitigate its harmful effects, directly aligning with the objective of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for Target 3.4 (Implied): Incidence of cancer attributable to specific risk factors.

  While the official indicator is 3.4.1 (Mortality rate attributed to… cancer), the article provides data on incidence and risk, which are leading measures for mortality. The study’s quantitative findings—a “325 percent times higher likelihood of contracting oral cancer” for those with CUD and a “624 percent more likely” risk for tobacco smokers with CUD—serve as direct measures of cancer risk associated with a specific behavior. Tracking the incidence of oral cancer in populations with CUD can be a powerful indicator of the effectiveness of prevention campaigns.

• Indicator for Target 3.5 (Implied): Prevalence of substance use disorders.

  The official indicator is 3.5.1 (Coverage of treatment interventions… for substance use disorders). The article implies the importance of tracking the prevalence of CUD by identifying a specific cohort of “949” patients who developed the disorder from a sample of “over 45,000 patients.” This data point on the prevalence of “chronic or problematic cannabis use” within a population is a foundational indicator needed to assess the scale of the problem and measure the success of prevention and treatment efforts.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators’ to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: today.ucsd.edu