Background: There is increasing discourse on the use of cannabis as a palliative for cancer/cancer-treatment-related symptoms. We described the prevalent reasons for use, perceived benefits, and awareness of health risks from cannabis use for cancer management among cancer survivors.
Methods: Cross-sectional survey of adult (≥ 18 years) cancer survivors from 41 US states receiving treatment at a comprehensive cancer center.
Results: Of 1,886 cancer survivors included, 17.4% were current users, 30.5% were former users, and 52.2% were never users of cannabis. Among survivors who currently or formerly used cannabis after their cancer diagnosis (n = 510), the reasons for cannabis use in cancer management were; sleep disturbance (60%), pain (51%), stress (44%), nausea (34%), and mood disorder/depression (32%). Also, about a fifth (91/510) of survivors used cannabis to treat their cancer. Across the different symptoms assessed, over half of the survivors who reported a reason for using cannabis currently or after their cancer diagnosis perceived that cannabis was helpful to a great extent in improving their symptoms. However, of the 167 survivors who reported awareness of potential health risks from cannabis use, the awareness of adverse health risks associated with cannabis use was low: suicidal thoughts (5%), intense nausea and vomiting (6%), depression (11%), anxiety (14%), breathing problems (31%), and interaction with cancer drugs (35%).
Conclusion: Prevalence of cannabis use among survivors was notable, with most reporting a great degree of symptomatic improvement for the specified reason for use. However, only a few were aware of the health risks of cannabis use during cancer management.
Implications For Cancer Survivors: With more cancer survivors using cannabis as a palliative in managing their cancer-related symptoms, future guidelines and policies on cannabis use in cancer management should incorporate cannabis-based interventions to minimize the inadvertent harm from cannabis use during cancer treatment among survivors.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11764-023-01526-7 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Role of Cannabis in the Management of Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: A Narrative Review.
Clin Pract
January 2025
Fondazione Paolo Procacci, 00193 Roma, Italy.
Chronic non-cancer pain, defined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as lasting beyond three months, significantly affects individuals' quality of life and is often linked to various medical conditions or injuries. Its management is complex. Cannabis, containing the key compounds Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), has garnered interest for its potential in pain management, though it remains controversial due to its psychoactive effects and illegal status in many countries.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCannabidiol suppresses proliferation and induces cell death, autophagy and senescence in human cholangiocarcinoma cells via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
J Tradit Complement Med
November 2024
Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
Background And Aim: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is usually diagnosed at a late stage, leading to treatment failure. Cannabidiol (CBD), exhibits diverse anti-cancer effects in various cancers, offering avenues for improving CCA treatment. This study investigated the effects of CBD on human CCA cells and the underlying mechanisms and .
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntegrative Oncology: Incorporating Evidence-Based Approaches for Patients With GI Cancers.
Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book
January 2025
City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA.
Data have matured to support incorporation of integrative oncology modalities into comprehensive cancer care. Clinical practice guidelines have recently been published by ASCO for diet and exercise (2022) and use of cannabinoids and cannabis (2024) and jointly by ASCO and the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) for application of integrative approaches in the management of pain (2022), anxiety and depression (2023), and fatigue (2024) among adults with cancer. Following the ASCO-SIO guidelines, clinicians should recommend mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) to patients with symptoms of anxiety or depression and MBIs and exercise for management of fatigue during or after completion of cancer treatment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFClinician's perceptions and experiences with tobacco treatment in people who use cannabis: a qualitative study.
Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy
January 2025
Tobacco Control Unit, Cancer Control and Prevention Program, Institut Català d'OncologiaL'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
Introduction: Global demand for the treatment of cannabis use disorder has increased significantly, prompting a need to understand effective strategies for addressing concurrent cannabis and tobacco use. This study focuses on clinicians' experiences and perceptions in delivering tobacco cessation services to people who use cannabis.
Methods: Fifteen participants (12 females, 3 males) participated in three homogenous focus groups, including two groups with extensive experience in providing tobacco cessation among the substance use population in Catalonia, Spain, and one group of clinicians without such experience.
Patients' Perceptions of the Efficacy, Safety, and Quality of the Evidence of Medicinal Cannabis: A Survey of Australian Cancer Patients.
Asia Pac J Clin Oncol
January 2025
Department of Medical Oncology, Gosford Hospital, Gosford, New South Wales, Australia.
Introduction: Despite the increased demand for medical cannabis (MC), MASCC guidelines state that there is insufficient evidence of its efficacy and safety. Although research has explored medical professionals' perceptions of MC, there is to our knowledge minimal research exploring patients' perceptions, particularly in an Australian cancer setting.
Methods: A survey of Australian cancer patients attending oncology outpatient clinics was performed.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!