About One-Third of Cancer Survivors Used Cannabis, and Most Told Their Healthcare Provider

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.

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.

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.

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.

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