Is Cannabis Why Breast Cancer Rates Are Up in Young People?

Studies show that rates of certain cancers, including breast cancer, are rising in adolescents and young adults, meaning people between the ages of 15 and 39. While the increase is likely due to a combination of factors, some explanations include obesity, more sedentary lifestyles, chest radiation, alcohol consumption, and genetics. Rebecca Johnson, MD, medical director of the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, and colleagues published a paper suggesting yet another piece of this puzzle: increasing cannabis use among young people.  Listen to the episode to hear Dr. Johnson explain: why she thought cannabis might be linked to cancer the reasons why cannabis could increase the risk of being diagnosed with cancer her advice to young people about cannabis and cancer