Experiences and Comfort of Young Cancer Patients Discussing Cannabis with Their Providers: Insights from a Survey at an NCI-Designated Cancer Center

• Published in: Journal of cancer education
• Main Authors: Baral, Amrit, Diggs, Bria-Necole A, Aka, Anurag, Williams, Renessa, Ortega, Nicholas Hernandez, Fellah, Ranya Marrakchi El, Islam, Jessica Y, Camacho-Rivera, Marlene, Penedo, Frank J, Vidot, Denise C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 19.09.2024
• Subjects: Cannabis; Treatment; Marijuana; Sociodemographic; Cancer; Communication; Provider
• ISSN: 0885-8195; 1543-0154; 1543-0154
• DOI: 10.1007/s13187-024-02507-9

Cannabis use among cancer patients for managing treatment-related symptoms is increasing, yet little is known about patterns in patient-provider communication. This study examines demographic differences in cannabis use communication at a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. The analysis included cancer patients aged ≥ 18 years who self-reported current cannabis use (past 30 days) and had visited Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center within the past 5 years (N = 226). Data were collected via an anonymous electronic survey on REDCap. Responses on patients' disclosure of cannabis use to cancer doctor/care team and their comfort in discussing cannabis were analyzed. Chi-squared/Fisher's exact tests and t-tests were applied. Logistic regression estimated the associations between age and stage of cancer treatment with patients' comfort in discussing cannabis use with cancer doctor (oncologist). The sample was 51.8% male and 39.4% Hispanic (mean age, 45.9 years (SD = 15.1)); 41.1% were aged 20-39 years, 43.8% were undergoing treatment, and 35.4% were in follow-up/had finished treatment. Over half (50.4%) did not disclose cannabis use to their cancer doctor/care team. Non-disclosers were more often younger (20-39 years) than disclosers (52.6% vs. 29.5%, p < 0.01). Most patients (72.5%) felt comfortable discussing cannabis use with their oncologist; however, younger patients (20-39 years) were more often uncomfortable (40.8%). Logistic regression showed newly diagnosed patients had lower odds (aOR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.12-0.98) of comfort discussing cannabis compared to those in follow-up/finished treatment. Younger patients (20-39 years) also had lower odds (aOR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.03-0.40) of feeling comfortable discussing cannabis compared to older patients (≥ 60 years). Age and treatment stage significantly impact the cannabis use disclosure and comfort in discussing it with cancer doctor/care team. These findings underscore the importance of considering age-related factors and treatment status when addressing cannabis use discussions within oncology setting.