Among 84 cancer patients in radiation oncology, 83% agreed cannabis relieves symptoms, but 15.5% believed it can cure cancer, with Hispanic/Latino patients significantly more likely to hold this belief.
Oncologists, patient educators, healthcare communicators addressing cannabis misinformation.
15.5% of cancer patients believed cannabis can cure cancer
What the researchers found
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.
Why it matters
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 numbers in context
84 patients (84% completion rate). 83.3% agreed cannabis relieves symptoms. 15.5% believed cannabis can cure cancer. Hispanic/Latino patients: OR 6.528 for cure belief (p=0.012). Patients perceived oncologists as unknowledgeable about cannabis.
How the study worked
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.
What this study cannot tell us
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.
How to read the evidence
Preliminary: small single-center survey with important findings but limited generalizability.
When this study was published
2025 study (data from 2022-2023)
The bigger picture
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.
Questions still open
- What information sources are driving the belief that cannabis cures cancer, particularly in Hispanic/Latino communities? Would oncologist education about cannabis change patient beliefs and treatment adherence? How widespread are these beliefs across different cancer types?
Common questions
Do cancer patients believe cannabis can cure their cancer?
Where do cancer patients get information about cannabis?
Read the original research
Perceptions, Uses, and Information Sources of Medical Cannabis Among Patients With Cancer.
Advances in radiation oncology, 10(3), 101678
Citation
Qu, Vera; Hui, Caressa; Hall, Jennifer; Taparra, Kekoa; Kollipara, Tanaya; Trieu, Sandy; Beadle, Beth; Soltys, Scott; Pollom, Erqi L. (2025). Perceptions, Uses, and Information Sources of Medical Cannabis Among Patients With Cancer.. Advances in radiation oncology, 10(3), 101678. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adro.2024.101678
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