Among 719 cancer survivors surveyed, roughly one-third reported current cannabis use, with most discussing it with a healthcare provider and expressing interest in receiving more cannabis information.
Oncology nurses and physicians, cancer survivors, supportive care researchers
About one-third of cancer survivors used cannabis, and most disclosed use to providers
What the researchers found
About one-third of 719 cancer survivors reported current cannabis use. Cannabis use varied across the cancer care continuum. Most cannabis-using survivors discussed their use with a healthcare provider and reported interest in receiving more information about cannabis.
Why it matters
With roughly a third of cancer survivors using cannabis, healthcare providers need to be prepared for these conversations. The finding that most cannabis-using patients are willing to discuss and want more information suggests an opportunity for better clinical guidance.
The numbers in context
719 participants; most currently undergoing treatment; approximately one-third current cannabis use; most disclosed to healthcare providers; most wanted more cannabis information; use varied across cancer care stages
How the study worked
Cross-sectional online survey distributed through online health communities, collecting responses from 719 cancer survivors (most currently undergoing treatment) about cannabis behaviors, disclosure, and information needs.
What this study cannot tell us
Online recruitment through health communities may oversample engaged patients, self-reported cannabis use, cross-sectional design, no information on cancer types or stages, participants may be more comfortable with cannabis than the general cancer population
How to read the evidence
Moderate-sized survey but online recruitment may not be representative; provides useful descriptive data on disclosure patterns
When this study was published
Published 2025
The bigger picture
Unlike many other populations where cannabis use goes undisclosed, cancer survivors appear relatively open about their cannabis use with providers. This openness creates an opportunity for evidence-based guidance that is currently lacking in most oncology settings.
Questions still open
- What specific cannabis information do cancer survivors want most? Are oncologists prepared to provide evidence-based cannabis guidance? Does cannabis use vary by cancer type, stage, or treatment phase?
Common questions
How many cancer patients use cannabis?
Do cancer patients tell their doctors about cannabis use?
Read the original research
Cannabis Use and Disclosure in the Oncology Setting: A Cross-Sectional Survey Exploring Information Needs Among Cancer Survivors.
Clinical journal of oncology nursing, 29(2), 157-164
Citation
Camp, Lindsey Nicole; Babicheva, Viktoriya; Conahan, Catherine; Hayes, Sara; Sherburne Hawkins, Summer. (2025). Cannabis Use and Disclosure in the Oncology Setting: A Cross-Sectional Survey Exploring Information Needs Among Cancer Survivors.. Clinical journal of oncology nursing, 29(2), 157-164. https://doi.org/10.1188/25.CJON.157-164
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