More than a third of gynecologic cancer patients used cannabis, mostly without a prescription

Of 46 surveyed patients, 17 (37%) were current cannabis users. The most common reasons were pain (9/17), anxiety (9/17), and insomnia (9/17). Most users lacked a prescription (11/17 obtained cannabis from recreational dispensaries) and half had not discussed their use with their doctor, though over 50% of all patients said they would welcome physician-initiated conversations about cannabis.

Single-institution cross-sectional survey conducted at a cancer center in Calgary, Alberta. Patients with current or prior gynecologic cancer diagnosis were surveyed about cannabis use patterns, reasons for use, and information sources.

Cannabis use among cancer patients is common but often undisclosed to oncologists. The finding that most patients would welcome physician-initiated conversations suggests a gap between patient interest and clinical practice.

When patients get cannabis information primarily from retailers and friends rather than clinicians, they may make decisions without considering drug interactions or evidence-based alternatives.

Small sample (n=46) from a single Canadian cancer center. Self-selected participation may overrepresent cannabis users. Cross-sectional design cannot track use patterns over treatment course.