
Colon cancer patients are 24 times more likely to die within 5 years if they had this habit before their diagnosis
Here's the bottom line — nearly 53,000 Americans are projected to die from colorectal cancer this year.
The overall five-year survival rate for the disease is around 65%. Several factors significantly influence prognosis, including the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, its location within the colon and the effectiveness of treatment.
A new study suggests that a popular habit may negatively affect colon cancer outcomes, significantly increasing the risk of death within five years of diagnosis.
Advertisement
The overall five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer is around 65%. Here, a colon cancer patient looks at her ostomy bag in the mirror.
Sheila – stock.adobe.com
'This study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that heavy cannabis use may have underrecognized impacts on the immune system, mental health and treatment behaviors,' said lead study author Raphael Cuomo, an associate professor at the UC San Diego School of Medicine.
An estimated 17.7 million Americans reported using marijuana daily or nearly every day in 2022, a rise that correlates with the decriminalization and legalization of pot and increased societal acceptance.
Advertisement
About 30% of cannabis users meet the criteria for addiction.
Cuomo wanted to see how addiction impacts colon cancer survival.
He analyzed the electronic health records of nearly 1,100 colon cancer patients treated across the University of California Health system between 2012 and 2024.
An estimated 17.7 million Americans reported using marijuana daily or nearly every day in 2022, a rise that correlates with the decriminalization and legalization of pot and increased societal acceptance.
Yakobchuk Olena – stock.adobe.com
Advertisement
Patients who frequently used cannabis had a substantially higher five-year mortality rate (55.88 %) compared to those who didn't have the same habit (5.05 %).
Furthermore, those diagnosed with marijuana addiction before they were stricken with colon cancer were 24.4 times more likely to die within five years of diagnosis compared to their peers, Cuomo determined.
The findings were published online this month in the Annals of Epidemiology.
Advertisement
'This isn't about vilifying cannabis. It's about understanding the full range of its impacts, especially for people facing serious illnesses,' Cuomo said.
'We hope these findings encourage more research — and more nuanced conversations — about how cannabis interacts with cancer biology and care.'
Some studies suggest that cannabis may help cancer patients manage their symptoms and potentially even reduce tumor growth.
Cuomo noted that frequent cannabis use is often associated with depression, anxiety and other mental health struggles that may compromise a patient's ability to engage fully with cancer treatment.
'Socioeconomic disadvantage, stigma and competing health concerns may further limit access to timely, high-quality oncologic care among patients with [cannabis use disorder],' he wrote in the paper.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Fox News
23 minutes ago
- Fox News
Sam's Club nearly done with plan to remove 40 harmful ingredients from its food and drink
Heeding the call of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to remove synthetic dyes from the foods and beverages of Americans, Sam's Club is one of the latest organizations to hop on board. The brand's "Made Without" initiative has reached 96% of its goal of removing artificial colors, additives, dyes and high-fructose corn syrup from its Member's Mark food and beverages, its private brand. The "Made Without" initiative lists 40 ingredients that the membership-based warehouse hopes to remove by 2025. "This accomplishment underscores how Sam's Club prioritizes what matters most to members, by aligning its offerings with evolving dietary preferences and developing products made with simpler, more recognizable ingredients," Sam's Club announced in a press release. "It also highlights the Member's Mark brand's broader purpose — to provide access to a better quality of life — through high-quality products made without certain ingredients," the release also noted. Sam's Club pointed to the demands of its customers, noting that 72% of its members surveyed are "actively seeking minimally processed foods" and 90% want to either "live or aspire to live a healthier lifestyle." The Make America Healthy Again Commission, chaired by Sec. Kennedy, released a recent report assessing chronic diseases, particularly those suffered by children. The report said that nearly 70% of calories consumed by American children come from ultraprocessed foods, which are "high in added sugars, chemical additives, and saturated fats, while lacking sufficient intakes of fruits and vegetables." Ultraprocessed foods have been linked to chronic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, the report states. Julie Barber, chief merchant at Sam's Club, said in the press release that the company takes "pride in the high-quality ingredients that go into our products." "What truly differentiates us are the ingredients we consciously leave out … Our 'Made Without' commitment underscores our aspiration to be members' go-to destination for quality at a disruptive value," said Barber. Aside from food, the "Made Without" list also includes phthalates, which are commonly used in personal care products, food packaging and synthetic fabrics. "Continuous exposure to certain phthalates can trigger hormone dysregulation and reproductive and developmental problems for babies in-utero and infants," noted the MAHA report. "The FDA has restricted the use of several phthalates in food packaging and industry has discontinued use over time." Fox News Digital reached out to Walmart, owner of Sam's Club, for further comment.


Business Wire
37 minutes ago
- Business Wire
Silver Hill Receives Transformational Gift
NEW CANAAN, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Silver Hill Hospital, a nationally recognized leader in mental health care for adults and adolescents, is thrilled to announce a $5.5 million gift, the largest contribution in the institution's 94-year history. This unprecedented gift marks a pivotal moment in the history of Silver Hill, empowering the organization to increase access to its signature, individualized healthcare and ensure clinical excellence advancing its mission to reduce suffering from mental illness and addiction. The generous contribution was made by a family of past and current volunteers who wish to remain anonymous as they continue their involvement with the hospital. It will enable Silver Hill to further key initiatives through focused program investments, campus infrastructure enhancements, and community and neighborhood programs consistent with a recently adopted strategic plan ensuring accessible, clinical excellence for the future. In addition to outright support for patient financial aid, patient wellness and employee growth, the contribution supports Silver Hill's long-term financial viability through its endowment. 'This magnificent gift was thoughtfully made by a family who understands Silver Hill's ability to heal and wants to make it accessible to more individuals in need,' said Richard Canning, Silver Hill Board Chair. 'Only half of the 50 million Americans who experience mental illness every year get treatment, and the quality of that treatment can vary wildly. The opportunity to be treated by experienced and empathetic professionals in a healing setting is a gift that we want to make available to as many people as possible.' The right care at the right time Silver Hill Hospital's 2025-2030 Strategic Plan recognizes that the rates of mental illness and addiction have risen over the past 50 years. And while there are new and effective treatments available, it is a challenge to connect those in need with the right care at the right time. 'We need institutions that can provide comprehensive treatment at all levels of care, train mental health professionals, conduct research, and advocate for public understanding,' said Andrew J. Gerber, MD, PhD, Silver Hill Hospital President and Medical Director. 'In other areas of medicine, this role has been effectively filled by academic medical centers,' Gerber added. 'However, since the 1990s, these institutions have suffered a dramatic reduction in psychiatric clinical services due to managed care pressures and inadequate insurance reimbursement. As a result, many top clinicians have moved to private practice, making it difficult for the most vulnerable patients to find the care that they need.' Philanthropy's essential role As a nonprofit, independent psychiatric hospital, Silver Hill is uniquely positioned to fill the void – providing access to care, sharing best practices through a program of research and education, and advocating for parity in mental health reimbursement. Philanthropy is essential to maintaining excellence, and this gift is a strong expression of support for the leadership and staff and a belief in the signature level of care that has made it one of the nation's top healthcare institutions. 'The donors believe deeply in the importance of high-quality mental health care and in Silver Hill's ability to deliver it,' Gerber said. 'We are extremely grateful for this cornerstone gift and hope it will be a catalyst to inspire further philanthropic investment in our vision of a world free from stigma and isolation where psychiatric care is accessible to all.' For more information about supporting the Silver Hill mission, please visit or contact Tim Dougherty, Chief Advancement Officer at 203.801.2397. About Silver Hill Hospital Founded in 1931, Silver Hill Hospital is one of the nation's leading independent, nonprofit psychiatric hospitals dedicated to diagnosing and treating adolescents and adults with a broad range of psychiatric and addiction disorders. Located on an idyllic 44-acre campus in New Canaan, CT, Silver Hill provides inpatient, residential and intensive outpatient treatment with plans tailored to each patient's needs. At Silver Hill, twenty board certified psychiatrists work closely with licensed nurses, social workers, counselors, therapists, and other staff to deliver expert care with commitment and compassion. Through the Silver Hill Academy for Research and Education (SHARE), leading clinicians share best practices through Grand Rounds, blogs, videos, webinars, conferences and publications to reach thousands of practitioners across the country each year. A second location, Silver Hill New York, provides intensive outpatient treatment in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, and is piloting the only data-first mental health and addiction treatment program in the country. For more information, visit and our social media channels.


CNET
an hour ago
- CNET
Sleeping Naked Can Keep You Cool, but It Might Not Be Right for Everyone
According to a survey of US adults carried out by mattress outfit Casper a few years ago, almost a third of Americans choose to sleep naked. If you're among that number, you clearly aren't alone. But while sleeping au naturel can be a great way to avoid overheating, it isn't always the great idea that it first seems. The problem is hygiene. There are disadvantages to sleeping naked that you should be aware of, especially if you tend to sweat or have sensitive skin. Below, we'll explain why you might want to rethink your bedtime attire and slip into some pajamas this summer. Also, see how to sleep cool without AC and our favorite sleep accessories for beating the heat. 5 reasons you shouldn't sleep naked When it's sweltering outside, sleeping naked might seem like a great way to cool down. While it can certainly offer relief at the moment, try to keep these things in mind before you disrobe this summer. Read more: Best Mattress Hygiene concerns Every night, your sheets, pillows and mattress collect dust, oil, dead skin and sweat (which is why it's important to clean them regularly). You can't prevent this from happening, but you may be able to slow it down by wearing clothes to bed rather than sleeping naked. However, this build-up can be minimal if good hygiene practices are already followed. CNET Need another hygiene-related reason to cover up at night? According to Dr. Anthony Youn, a plastic surgeon based in Michigan, an average person farts up to 25 times per day, and if it happens at night, the expelled fecal material could get onto your sheets. Wearing underwear, he says, can help prevent these particles from spreading to your bed. (An important caveat: Youn notes that gynecologists sometimes advise women to sleep without underwear for their vaginal health. If that applies to you, make sure to follow your doctor's recommendation.) No matter your nighttime clothing preferences, you'll still want to wash your bedding at least every other week. If you sleep naked, it's better to change your sheets weekly. You can also shower at night to keep your bed cleaner, but make sure to dry your hair first, otherwise, it could lead to fungi and bacteria growth on your pillow. It's also essential to take care of your mattress, particularly if you're a nude sleeper. This means thoroughly vacuuming and scrubbing it twice per year and replacing it every decade or so. Temperature You'd think sleeping in your birthday suit would help keep you cooler, but it can actually work against you. Wearing light and breathable pajamas to bed can help wick away and absorb moisture. By sleeping naked, if you sweat, your moisture has nowhere to go but your sheets and mattress, creating a damp and uncomfortable sleeping surface. However, this can vary from person to person depending on the room temperature, humidity and bedding materials. Cooling sheets can also help keep you temperature-neutral and wick away moisture. BasakAllergies and sensitivities When you sleep in the nude, there's no barrier between your body and your bedding, which can cause a quicker build-up of things like dirt, oil and dead skin. This isn't just gross; it can actually cause health problems if you have certain allergies or sensitive skin. Here's why. As you sleep, your body sheds dead skin cells, which attract dust mites that then feed on this dead skin. If you're one of the 20 million Americans who are allergic to these mites, you might notice symptoms like congestion, coughing and sneezing. Also, depending on your bedding, sleeping with your skin directly against your sheets could lead to uncomfortable side effects like rashes and irritation. Sleeping without clothes on certain types of sheets (such as ones made of polyester or other synthetic materials) isn't recommended if you have conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Instead, experts suggest sticking to breathable, natural fabrics (such as cotton and silk). Difficulty getting to sleep For some people, being in the nude can feel awkward and unnatural. If you go to bed without clothes, but being naked isn't comfortable for you, you might have a hard time settling into sleep. As a result, your sleep quality could decline, which could lead to irritation, trouble concentrating and memory issues. Similarly, if you go to bed in uncomfortable clothing, you could also face sleep problems. When picking out bedtime attire, choose whatever puts you at ease, whether that's an old T-shirt, a matching set of pajamas or a nightgown. Your sleep quality can also be impacted by other environmental factors, such as room temperature, noise and light levels. In addition, behavioral factors like the time you go to bed, using the bed for other activities and poor sleep hygiene can also make it more difficult to fall asleep. External factors and exposure Aside from the hygiene risks of sleeping in the nude, there are other practical concerns to consider as well. First, clothes can also act as a protective barrier against hungry spiders and insects. They might not completely stop you from getting bitten, but they provide an extra layer of defense. On a different note, going to bed naked could land you in some uncomfortable situations if you have roommates, live with your children or parents, travel often or sleepwalk. For instance, things could get awkward if you're on your way to the restroom in the middle of the night and unexpectedly run into someone else in the hallway. Even worse, if there's an emergency, you might not have time to get dressed before taking action. That could be potentially awkward or embarrassing, especially if you have to evacuate your home for a fire or other unexpected long; didn't read Going to bed naked might not put you at risk for serious, life-or-death health problems, but it's worth thinking about the risks involved in sleeping nude. Importantly, sleeping without clothes can increase the build-up of dirt and dust mites, which can trigger allergies and make your bed a less hygienic place to sleep. Ultimately, the decision of what to wear to bed is a personal one. If you're more comfortable sleeping without clothes, there's no real harm in continuing to do so, but you should aim to change your sheets every week to keep them free of dirt, dust, sweat and other nasty bedfellows.