Why are more and more young adults contracting cancer? And can cannabis make a difference?

Cancer was once considered a disease of old age. Today, it affects an increasing number of people aged 20-49, and scientists are working to understand why. Meanwhile, new research poses a provocative question: does Could cannabis play a role in prevention, or even the fight against these cancers?

A worrying trend in cancer rates

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the American medical research agency, report that between 2010 and 2019, cases of 14 types of cancer have exploded in people under 50. These include colorectal cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, and lymphomas.

Researchers say the reasons are complex: «The causes of these incidences are likely cancer-specific, including cancer risk factors that are becoming more frequent at a younger age, changes in cancer screening or detection, and updates in clinical diagnosis or cancer coding.»

Beyond genetics, lifestyle is a determining factor.’obesity, processed foods, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol, and environmental toxins are major factors.

Could cannabis compounds be part of the solution?

For decades, patients have turned to the cannabis to relieve their pain. But it's only recently that science has begun to map out how cannabinoids could directly interact with cancer cells.

A Study conducted in 2025 and spanning over 10,000 studies concluded that there is «irrefutable evidence» that cannabis can relieve’inflammation, nausea, and loss of appetite during treatment. Even more striking, researchers noted signs indicating that cannabinoids could induce’apoptosis (programmed cell death) and reduce tumor spread.

Some examples:

• Colorectal cancer A team from the University of Naples discovered that the cannabigerol (CBG) «inhibits the growth of colorectal cancer cells […] and hinders the development and growth of colon carcinogenesis in vivo.
• Breast cancer Amy de la Harpe, from Mandela University, discovered that cannabinoids can trigger «cannabinoid-induced paraptosis,» leading to the death of breast cancer cells.
• Pancreatic cancer Scientists from Dana-Farber and UMass have tested a new flavonoid derivative. FBL-03G, and stated: «The results of FBL-03G reveal new potential [...] for further research into the treatment of pancreatic cancer, where new therapeutic options are urgently needed.»
• Stomach cancer : certain studies suggest that CBD could help block tumor growth and promote apoptosis of stomach cancer cells.

How young survivors are already using cannabis

Science is not confined to laboratories. Many young cancer survivors are already experimenting with cannabis to cope with their daily challenges.

A exploratory review conducted in 2025 by Schubel et al. analyzed 15 studies on survivors aged 18 to 39. They found that cannabis was used for both medical and recreational purposes, to relieve Pain, nausea, insomnia, and anxiety. Survivors have often reported benefits, but researchers have cautioned that the data were fragmented: «Studies were mainly cross-sectional, examining use during treatment, with less information on non-medical use and use after treatment.»

This highlights a gap between patient experience and scientific evidence, which future research will need to bridge.

It's not a magic bullet, but a tool

Experts call for caution: «Cannabis should not be considered a one-size-fits-all solution for cancer. It also does not replace conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, but it can complement them to improve patients» chances of survival and success."

The key lies in balance: combining responsible cannabis consumption with a evidence-based medicine, healthy eating, physical exercise, and stress management.

The increase in early cancers forces us to rethink our understanding of cancer risks and treatment. When it comes to cannabis, the question is no longer just about alleviating symptoms, but whether certain compounds could one day be part of traditional oncology.

For now, science is promising but incomplete. What is clear is that young patients are already turning to cannabis, and the medical community will have to catch up.