A significant portion of cancer patients regularly consume cannabis, according to new research.
“Given the potential positive and negative impacts of cannabis use during cancer care, more information is needed to understand how changes in cannabis legalization and social norms have affected cannabis use and clinical disclosure among cancer survivors”, states the abstract of the study, published by the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing. “The purpose of this research was to explore cannabis behaviors, disclosure, and information needs among cancer survivors.”
For the study, researchers “conducted cross- sectional analyses using descriptive statistics to assess data collected via an online survey distributed through online health communities.”
The analysis included 719 participants, and most reported currently undergoing treatment. About one-third reported current cannabis use, with researchers saying cannabis use “varied across the cancer care continuum, and most of those using cannabis discussed their use with a healthcare provider and reported interest in receiving more information about cannabis.”
According to a separate study published last month, cannabis use was associated with notable symptom improvements in cancer patients, although cost can be a barrier for some.
