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

The takeaway

Among 46 gynecologic cancer patients surveyed at a Canadian cancer center, 37% were current cannabis users, primarily for pain, anxiety, and insomnia, and most obtained it without a prescription.

Oncologists, gynecologic cancer specialists, supportive care providers

37% of gynecologic cancer patients were current cannabis users

What the researchers found

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.

Why it matters

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.

The numbers in context

46 participants; 17 (37%) current users; pain, anxiety, insomnia each cited by 9/17 users; 11/17 obtained from recreational dispensary; 9/17 had not discussed with doctor; 26/46 would discuss if physician raised it; cannabis retailers (20/46) and friends/family (20/46) were top info sources

How the study worked

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.

What this study cannot tell us

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.

How to read the evidence

Small single-site survey with self-selected participants; provides descriptive data but limited generalizability.

When this study was published

Published 2023

The bigger picture

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.

Questions still open

Do cannabis-using cancer patients experience different treatment outcomes? What training would help oncologists discuss cannabis more effectively with patients?

Common questions

How common is cannabis use among gynecologic cancer patients?

In this Canadian survey, 37% of gynecologic cancer patients reported current cannabis use, primarily for pain, anxiety, and insomnia.

Do cancer patients discuss cannabis with their doctors?

About half of cannabis-using patients had not discussed it with their doctor, but over 50% of all patients said they would be interested in discussing cannabis if their physician raised the topic.

Read the original research

Cannabis use in gynecologic cancer patients in a Canadian cancer center.

Gynecologic oncology reports, 47, 101210

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Black, Kristin A; Bowden, Sylvie; Thompson, Mary; Ghatage, Prafull. (2023). Cannabis use in gynecologic cancer patients in a Canadian cancer center.. Gynecologic oncology reports, 47, 101210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gore.2023.101210