Survey finds link between drug/cannabis use during pregnancy and certain childhood cancers

While the risks of drug use, smoking and drinking during pregnancy are widely accepted, a new survey of parents has identified clear associations between certain types of childhood cancers and gestational substance use, notably cannabis.

The study—led by Duke Health and appearing in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention—adds specificity to the potential harms of drug and alcohol use during pregnancy. Findings come at a time when cannabis use has risen, often as a remedy for severe morning sickness and nausea.

“Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy has declined, but gestational cannabis use has risen in the last decade,” said lead author Kyle Walsh, Ph.D., associate professor in the departments of Neurosurgery, Pathology, Pediatrics, and Population Health…