15% of Cancer Patients Surveyed Believed Cannabis Can Cure Cancer

Of 84 cancer patients surveyed, 83.3% agreed medical cannabis provides symptom relief, while 15.5% agreed it can cure cancer. Patients who believed cannabis cures cancer were significantly more likely to identify as Hispanic/Latino (38.5% vs 9.9%, p=0.009) and less likely to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations (30.8% vs 8.5%, p=0.044). Hispanic/Latino identity remained significantly associated on bivariate analysis (OR 6.528, p=0.012). Patients wanted to learn more from their oncologists but perceived them as unknowledgeable.

Cross-sectional survey of 84 cancer patients seen in radiation oncology clinic (June 2022-July 2023) at a single center. 84% completion rate. Questionnaire assessed perceptions and information sources about medical cannabis. Associations with demographic and disease variables were evaluated. Qualitative thematic analysis performed on narrative responses.

Misinformation about cannabis as a cancer cure can lead patients to delay or refuse evidence-based treatment. This study identifies which patients are most likely to hold these beliefs and reveals that patients want guidance from oncologists but perceive them as lacking cannabis knowledge, creating a dangerous information vacuum filled by unregulated sources.

The gap between patient interest in cannabis information and oncologist knowledge creates a vulnerability to misinformation. As cannabis becomes more accessible, oncologists need training and resources to provide evidence-based guidance, particularly for Hispanic/Latino patients who may be exposed to different information sources.

Small single-center sample (N=84). Radiation oncology patients may not represent all cancer patients. Cross-sectional design. Self-reported perceptions. Limited diversity beyond the Hispanic/Latino finding. Cannot determine causal pathway for belief formation.