Survey Highlights Cannabis Use Among Cancer Patients for Symptom Relief

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In a recently published study, researchers aimed to assess how people undergoing cancer treatments in the US access and use cannabis, how they perceive its effects, and their discussions with healthcare providers on cannabis use during treatment. The study, “Overview of cancer patient perspectives on cannabis use during treatment,” was published in JNCI Monographs in August 2024. The results were intended to be used to help guide future research for potential benefits, harms, and interactions with treatment for cancer patients.

In this study, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated 12 cancer centers across the US to as locations to conduct surveys with patients. As noted in the abstract, the survey questions focused on topics including:

• sourcing of cannabis
• associated cost
• behavioral factors associated with cannabis use (such as smoking, drinking, or using other substances)
• patient-provider communication on cannabis use during treatment

Researchers examined survey results from all 12 sites for a total of 13,180 completed surveys and a response rate overall of 19%. Some of the highlighted findings included:

• about 33% reported using cannabis (both before and since their diagnosis)
• 6.3% reported using cannabis only since their cancer diagnosis, whereas 38.4% reported that they had never used cannabis
• those who used cannabis previously were more likely to use since diagnosis

Respondents, both cannabis users and nonusers, reported the perceived benefits of using cannabis for pain, stress, anxiety, or depression, though those who used cannabis reported using it for sleeping, pain, and mood changes. The most popular methods of ingestion were smoking, adding to foods, and in oral forms such as pills or tinctures.

The results indicated a need for more research into the safe use of cannabis with cancer patients and survivors. Notably, all who responded—even non users and those who lived in states where cannabis is illegal—perceived the benefits of cannabis use to be greater than the risks. Additionally, few patients reported having discussions with their healthcare providers on cannabis use. “Although the survey results may not offer a true measure of prevalence due to low response rates, they do underscore that a substantial proportion of cancer patients are using cannabis during treatment to manage adverse effects of both cancer and its treatment,” the researchers stated. “This holds true even in regions lacking legal access to cannabis products and in the absence of recommendations from healthcare providers.”

Reference

1. Helzlsouer, KJ.; Rosenfield, SM.; Freedman, AN.; Ellison, GL. Overview of cancer patient perspectives on cannabis use during treatment. JNCI Monographs. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jncimonographs/lgae025