Genetic Overlap Between Psychoactive Substance Use and Cancer: Findings from an Extensive Genome-Wide Cross-Trait Analysis

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Substance use disorders and psychoactive substance use are linked to increased risks of various health issues, including cancer.
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Shared genetic associations exist between alcohol dependence and respiratory cancers, as well as nicotine dependence and lung cancer.
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Cannabis use disorder may increase the risk of oral cancer, while some studies suggest cannabinoids might reduce prostate cancer risk.
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Opioid use in cancer patients is associated with increased cancer risk, yet some studies indicate potential anti-tumor effects.
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A large-scale genome-wide association study identified common genetic architectures linking substance use and cancer development.

Bmc Medicine

by Jiahang Song, Pengzhu Li, Martin Canis, Kristian Unger, Nikolaus Alexander Haas, Olivier Gires
February 5, 2026

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