Characteristics of Cannabis Use Among Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

Understand the characteristics of cannabis use, including frequency, mode, and purpose, among head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors.

A cross-sectional survey was distributed using ResearchMatch and online support groups for survivors of HNC. Respondents answered questions regarding demographics, cancer history, cannabis use, and knowledge of cannabis and completed a Short Form-12 Questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression and descriptive statistics were utilized for analysis.

Of 92 respondents, 75% were current or former cannabis users and 25% were never users. Cannabis users were less likely to have above-median household income (OR 0.115, 95% CI 0.0139-0.662) and live outside of the United States (OR 0.0697, 95% CI 0.0026-0.7404) than current or former users. 36.2% and 27.5% of cannabis users reported occasional (1-5 days/month) and daily use, respectively. The most common mode of use was in edible products (46.4%). The most common reasons for use were to treat pain (79.4%), improve sleep (76.5%), cope with stress (64.7%), and recreation (63.6%). 19.2% of respondents reported receiving information regarding cannabis use in relation to cancer. Of those who had received information, the most common sources were a physician treating cancer (38.1%), friends (33.3%), and cancer support groups (33.3%). 45.6% of respondents reported significant or very high interest in receiving information about cannabis use in relation to cancer.

Cannabis use for treatment of cancer-associated symptoms and recreation is common among HNC survivors. Many survivors are interested in information regarding cannabis use, but few have received information from a reputable source.

Level 4.