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Does Prolonged Smoking Of Marijuana Lead To Lung Cancer?
Question: I am a 34 year old man who has made a major life change in the past year 12 months.
Much to my huge shame and regret, I previously smoked around 10-12 roll up marijuana cigarettes per week, over a period of 7.5 years. I have now completely abstained from this completely.
My mom was a high level smoker for 25 years prior to being diagnosed with lung cancer aged 42, at which point she stopped.
I now regularly exercise(running, gym) and try and eat healthy after the changes to my lifestyle when I quit, conscious of my family history.
Does this mean that I will get lung cancer at 42? Or are my chances now better given that I have given up, and what more smoked for only around a 1/3 of the time my mom did.
Do you suggest I get screened when I am around 40 years of age?
I suffer with anxiety so any assistance would be hugely appreciated. I really want to put my past behind me and move on with my life.
Much to my huge shame and regret, I previously smoked around 10-12 roll up marijuana cigarettes per week, over a period of 7.5 years. I have now completely abstained from this completely.
My mom was a high level smoker for 25 years prior to being diagnosed with lung cancer aged 42, at which point she stopped.
I now regularly exercise(running, gym) and try and eat healthy after the changes to my lifestyle when I quit, conscious of my family history.
Does this mean that I will get lung cancer at 42? Or are my chances now better given that I have given up, and what more smoked for only around a 1/3 of the time my mom did.
Do you suggest I get screened when I am around 40 years of age?
I suffer with anxiety so any assistance would be hugely appreciated. I really want to put my past behind me and move on with my life.
Brief Answer:
marijuana doesn't increase lung cancer risk
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
Marijuana by itself doesn't increase risks of lung cancer. It is the tobacco which increases. So it depends on how much tobacco you had smoked along with the marijuana.
If you had not smoked tobacco then your risks of lung cancer are same as any other healthy individual and screening is not required.
Hope this helps.
Regards
marijuana doesn't increase lung cancer risk
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
Marijuana by itself doesn't increase risks of lung cancer. It is the tobacco which increases. So it depends on how much tobacco you had smoked along with the marijuana.
If you had not smoked tobacco then your risks of lung cancer are same as any other healthy individual and screening is not required.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks you for the detailed response and re-assurance Doctor!
I previously smoked roll up Marijuana with rolling Tobacco (in a packet), rather than using cigarette tobacco.
I would suggest that each there was around half the amount of tobacco in each roll up compared to a usual cigarette. My worry is that there were no filter in place.
Given my age, family history, level of smoking marijuana with Tobacco and the fact that I have now quit and lead a healthy lifestyle, do you suggest that there is any need to get screened now or in the future?
I am hoping its not the case but would appreciate your expert opinion.
I previously smoked roll up Marijuana with rolling Tobacco (in a packet), rather than using cigarette tobacco.
I would suggest that each there was around half the amount of tobacco in each roll up compared to a usual cigarette. My worry is that there were no filter in place.
Given my age, family history, level of smoking marijuana with Tobacco and the fact that I have now quit and lead a healthy lifestyle, do you suggest that there is any need to get screened now or in the future?
I am hoping its not the case but would appreciate your expert opinion.
Brief Answer:
yes then screening is indicated
Detailed Answer:
Ok then you have smoked significant tobacco as well but it is good that you quit.
So risk is there but gradually it will come down. Will take 10-15 years for the risk to come down to that of nonsmoker.
So maybe from 35 years you can have some screening for next 5-10 years.
yes then screening is indicated
Detailed Answer:
Ok then you have smoked significant tobacco as well but it is good that you quit.
So risk is there but gradually it will come down. Will take 10-15 years for the risk to come down to that of nonsmoker.
So maybe from 35 years you can have some screening for next 5-10 years.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you doctor,
Would you consider the risk to be high enough to require screening, in your opinion? Unfortunately the British NHS do not offer this faciliy to anyone less than 50 years of age. Also, my 'pack years' equates to 5 years.
Also, my GP suggests that there is no need for me to pay for this privately as the risk is too small
Would you consider the risk to be high enough to require screening, in your opinion? Unfortunately the British NHS do not offer this faciliy to anyone less than 50 years of age. Also, my 'pack years' equates to 5 years.
Also, my GP suggests that there is no need for me to pay for this privately as the risk is too small
Brief Answer:
In that case just clinical checkup periodically
Detailed Answer:
Yes the pack years is not huge but you have family history of lung cancer at a young age. So some form of screening can be considered.
As NHS would not cover CT screening, I would recommend regular clinical checkup and full investigation if any small suspicion.
In that case just clinical checkup periodically
Detailed Answer:
Yes the pack years is not huge but you have family history of lung cancer at a young age. So some form of screening can be considered.
As NHS would not cover CT screening, I would recommend regular clinical checkup and full investigation if any small suspicion.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you again doctor, I will be sure to leave positive feedback for your service.
With my continued abstinence from smoking, new lifestyle and young age, can I feel confident that I will be ok? I know it's impossible to look to the future but I am doing everything I can now, and any reassurance you could offer would be appreciated
Would like to say a sincere thank you though you have been very kind, I just want to get on with my new life now
With my continued abstinence from smoking, new lifestyle and young age, can I feel confident that I will be ok? I know it's impossible to look to the future but I am doing everything I can now, and any reassurance you could offer would be appreciated
Would like to say a sincere thank you though you have been very kind, I just want to get on with my new life now
Brief Answer:
sure your new lifestyle will take you forward
Detailed Answer:
don't worry so much, everything will be fine. Continue the healthy habits and I am sure you will do well.
sure your new lifestyle will take you forward
Detailed Answer:
don't worry so much, everything will be fine. Continue the healthy habits and I am sure you will do well.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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