ASPO Abstracts
Reasons for uptake and discontinuation of cannabis use among patients at an NCI designated comprehensive cancer center in Florida
Category: Cancer Health Disparities
Conference Year: 2023
Abstract Body:
Background: Cannabis use is increasingly recognized as a potential strategy to mitigate adverse symptoms during cancer treatment. Our objective was to evaluate reasons for uptake and discontinuation of cannabis during cancer treatment among patients who self-reported cannabis use following their cancer diagnosis. Methods: We administered a cross-sectional survey of adult cancer patients who received care between July 2017 to December 2019 at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. We invited patients to participate in a self-administered online survey from August to November 2021. Results: Overall, 744 (47%) participants reported using cannabis at any time after their cancer diagnosis, which included 70% aged 55 years or above, 54% women, and 87% NH-White patients. Sixty-five percent self-reported to use cannabis at the time of our survey. Among users, the majority (72%) reported cannabis use during their cancer treatment, with more than one-half (51%) reporting frequent use (i.e., more than once a day or once a day; almost every day or more often) during their cancer treatment. Over one-third (36%) reported no one gives them instructions on how to use cannabis and 24% reported they receive instructions from the cannabis store or dispensary worker. Only 2% reported they received instructions on how to use cannabis from their oncologist. The most common indications reported for cannabis use were difficulty sleeping (61%), pain (56%), and anxiety or depression (53%). Of those with self- reported pain, stress or anxiety, or insomnia, 86%, 81%, and 85%, respectively, their symptoms improved quite a bit or somewhat after using cannabis. Forty- five percent reported stopping using cannabis. The most cited reasons for stopping cannabis use included: cost was too high (38%), cannabis was not covered by insurance (29%), concerns about legal consequences (21%), no recommendation from provider (17%), and not being sure which cannabis products were safe or effective (17%). Conclusion: Cannabis users report benefits and symptom relief during cancer treatment; however, barriers reported by patients include high costs and lack of reliable information on its use.
Keywords: Cannabis, symptom management, barriers, facilitators,