Young men who smoke marijuana have a higher risk of testicular cancer, according to a recent study by the University of Southern California.

In a study of 455 men, researchers found that those who used marijuana were twice as likely to be diagnosed with testicular germ cell tumors. This is the most common form of cancer in men under the age of 35.

"Testicular cancer is on the rise," said Victoria Cortessis, study author and assistant professor of preventive medicine at the University of Southern California. "So we asked, 'What is it that young men are doing more frequently that could account for the increased risk?'"

More than 8,000 men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer this year.

"Most men who get testicular cancer today survive, and that's wonderful. But as a result of treatment, they may have problems with fertility or sexual function," Cortessis explained.

The latest research, published Tuesday in the journal Cancer, is the third study linking cancer with marijuana use.