Cancer survivors with childhood trauma are much more likely to use cannabis
Cancer survivors who experienced four or more adverse childhood events had quadruple the odds of cannabis use compared to those with no childhood adversity.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Among nearly 8,000 cancer survivors, those with four or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) had 4.1 times greater odds of cannabis use compared to those with zero ACEs, with a clear dose-response pattern.
Key Numbers
6.0% overall cannabis use prevalence among cancer survivors. 44.1% reported zero ACEs. Adjusted odds ratios: 2-3 ACEs = 2.56 (95% CI: 1.57-4.27); 4+ ACEs = 4.10 (95% CI: 2.54-6.64).
How They Did This
Cross-sectional analysis of 7,896 cancer survivors from the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. ACEs were categorized into four groups (0, 1, 2-3, 4+). Weighted multivariable logistic regression controlled for demographics, smoking, and health status.
Why This Research Matters
Childhood trauma appears to be a strong predictor of cannabis use in cancer survivors, suggesting that substance use screening in oncology settings should account for early life adversity.
The Bigger Picture
This study adds to growing evidence that substance use patterns in cancer survivors are shaped by early life experiences, not just their cancer diagnosis.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Cross-sectional design cannot establish causation. Self-reported data on both ACEs and cannabis use introduces recall bias. The BRFSS does not distinguish between medical and recreational cannabis use.
Questions This Raises
- ?Does cannabis use in trauma-exposed cancer survivors reflect self-medication for psychological distress?
- ?Would trauma-informed interventions in oncology reduce substance use or improve outcomes?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- higher odds of cannabis use among cancer survivors with 4+ ACEs vs. none
- Evidence Grade:
- Large nationally representative sample with appropriate statistical controls, but cross-sectional design limits causal inference.
- Study Age:
- 2025 publication using 2020 survey data.
- Original Title:
- Cannabis Use and Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Cancer Survivors.
- Published In:
- Cancer medicine, 14(22), e71400 (2025)
- Authors:
- Gao, May Z, Babatunde, Oluwole A, Jefferson, Melanie S, Adams, Swann A, Hughes Halbert, Chanita, Osazuwa-Peters, Nosayaba, Adjei Boakye, Eric
- Database ID:
- RTHC-06501
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Why would childhood trauma affect cannabis use decades later?
ACEs are associated with lasting changes in stress response systems and coping mechanisms. Adults with significant childhood adversity often have higher rates of various substance use, potentially as a way to manage ongoing psychological distress.
Is cannabis use harmful for cancer survivors?
This study did not evaluate outcomes of cannabis use. It focused solely on identifying who uses cannabis among cancer survivors, finding that childhood trauma history is a strong predictor.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-06501APA
Gao, May Z; Babatunde, Oluwole A; Jefferson, Melanie S; Adams, Swann A; Hughes Halbert, Chanita; Osazuwa-Peters, Nosayaba; Adjei Boakye, Eric. (2025). Cannabis Use and Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Cancer Survivors.. Cancer medicine, 14(22), e71400. https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.71400
MLA
Gao, May Z, et al. "Cannabis Use and Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Cancer Survivors.." Cancer medicine, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.71400
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabis Use and Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Cancer ..." RTHC-06501. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/gao-2025-cannabis-use-and-adverse
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.