ASPO Abstracts
Differences in cannabis use among cancer survivors in the U.S, 2019
Category: Survivorship & Health Outcomes/Comparative Effectiveness Research
Conference Year: 2022
Abstract Body:
Purpose: Cannabis use has been increasing in popularity among cancer survivors; however, little is known regarding prevalence of use, or why cancer survivors use it. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare cannabis use, and reason for use among cancer survivors and individuals with no history of cancer in the U.S.Methods: Using data from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), we used weighted multivariable logistic regression models to assess the association of cancer and the dichotomous outcome (cannabis use), adjusting for confounders. Next, weighted prevalence estimates and 95% CI were used to explore the primary method of administration among current cannabis users for cancer survivors and individuals with no cancer history.Results: The prevalence of cannabis use in the past 30 days for cancer survivors was lower than individuals with no cancer history (9.14% vs. 12.84%). Across both groups, individuals living in a state with recreational use were 2.02 (95% CI: 1.62, 2.53) times more likely to report using cannabis compared to individuals in states where it is fully illegal, after adjusting for covariates. More than half (51.49%) of cancer survivors reported using cannabis for medical purposes, compared to only 27.44% of individuals with no history of cancer. Among individuals with no history of cancer males were more likely than females to report using cannabis, regardless of reason for primary use; however, the inverse relationship was found among cancer survivors. Conclusion: Although studies have found wide variation in rates in which cancer survivors use cannabis, studies are consistently finding that cancer survivors use cannabis at lower rates than individuals with no history of cancer. However, factors associated with cannabis use and primary reason for us varied between cancer survivors and individuals with no history of cancer. The availability of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes is increasing. Additional studies are needed to monitor trends in cannabis use among cancer patients and survivors so healthcare professionals can better advise patients about the adverse health outcomes and potential benefits.
Keywords: Cannabis, Cancer Survivors, BRFSS,