On the occasion of testicular and prostate cancer awareness month, doctor Jimmy Mohamed explained, Friday on Europe 1, the link between cannabis and testicular cancer.
The most common cancer in young people, in 95% of cases it originates from sperm-producing cells.
While cannabis interferes with the effectiveness of your sperm, it also harms the health of your testicles.
According to studies, 2,000 to 2,500 men are affected by testicular cancer each year.
On the occasion of this "Movember", the month of November dedicated to raising awareness of testicular and prostate cancer, Doctor Jimmy Mohamed makes the link, on Friday on Europe 1, between testicular cancer and cannabis consumption.
>> Find the morning show of the day in replay and podcast here
THC receptors present in the testes
While some appreciate the psychogenic effect of cannabis, they should know that the molecule responsible for this - THC - is also involved in the link between cannabis use and testicular cancer.
This cannabinoid, abundantly present in the plant and which acts on the psyche by modifying the cerebral rhythm, also has receptors present in the testes.
Cannabis smokers are therefore two to three times more likely to develop testicular cancer than non-smokers.
Direct effect on sperm-producing cells
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young adults (between 15 and 35), according to the Cancer Research Foundation.
In 95% of cases, it is a germ cell tumor that originates in the sperm-producing cells.
Indeed, if cannabis also impairs male fertility, it is because it has a direct effect on their reproductive cells.
A Danish study had shown that cannabis smokers had 30% less sperm than non-smokers.
Effect is even greater if you smoke more.
Better safe than sorry, insists Jimmy Mohamed.
To take care of your family jewels, you should not smoke cannabis.