Association of Cannabis Use With Guideline-Recommended Cancer Screenings: Results From a National Health Behaviors Survey.

PURPOSE

Cannabis use has experienced partial legalization with a substantial rise over the past decades in the United States. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between cannabis use frequency and adherence to recommended breast, prostate, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys, focusing on men and women eligible for recommended cancer screenings. The predictor variable was self-reported cannabis use, stratified by frequency (none, 1-19 days/month, 20-30 days/month). The main outcome variable was adherence to recommended breast, prostate, cervical, and colorectal screenings. A multivariable adjusted model was used to assess predictors of adherence.

RESULTS

Overall, 229,711 patients (corresponding to a weighted population of 46.9 individuals eligible for screening) were included. High-frequency cannabis use (20-30 days) was associated with lower adherence to breast cancer screening (adjusted odds ratios [aORs], 0.70 [95% CI, 0.54 to 0.91]), while moderate use (1-19 days) showed no significant effect. Cannabis use at any frequency was associated with lower adherence to prostate cancer screening (1-19 days: aOR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.58 to 0.98]; 20-30 days: aOR, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.44 to 0.82]). Cannabis use had no significant impact on adherence to cervical or colorectal cancer screening.

CONCLUSION

Heavy cannabis use was associated with lower adherence to recommended breast and prostate cancer screenings, while moderate cannabis use was associated with reduced prostate cancer screening adherence only. This effect was not seen in cervical and colorectal cancer screening. Close monitoring of adherence to breast cancer screening in women and prostate cancer screening in men with frequent cannabis use might be beneficial.