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Cannabis Use Is Associated with Pain Severity and Interference Among Cancer Survivors
Shannon Nugent1,2,3, Emile Latour1,4, Jeong Lim1,4
1Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
Integrative Medicine Reports
|August 2, 2024
Summary
Cannabis use is common among cancer patients, particularly for pain management. Moderate to severe pain significantly increased the likelihood of cannabis use, while mood and general health showed no association.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pain Management
- Cannabis Research
Background:
- Cannabis use for symptom management in cancer patients is increasingly prevalent.
- Understanding the patterns and outcomes of cannabis use in this population is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of cannabis use among cancer patients.
- To assess the perceived therapeutic benefits of cannabis.
- To examine the association between cannabis use and self-reported pain, mood, and general health.
Main Methods:
- A population-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted with 523 cancer patients.
- The survey collected data on cannabis use, perceived benefits, pain, mood, and general health.
- Logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations, controlling for covariates.
Main Results:
- 54% of cancer patients reported using cannabis post-diagnosis; 42% used it during active treatment.
- Primary reasons for use included sleep disturbance (54.7%), pain (47.1%), and mood (42.6%).
- Moderate pain was significantly associated with a twofold increased likelihood of cannabis use (OR=2.4, p=0.002).
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of cannabis use is reported by cancer survivors in a state with early cannabis legislation.
- Moderate or severe pain is linked to increased cannabis use, but mood and general health are not.
- Oncologists should assess cannabis use for managing long-term cancer symptoms.
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