While there is still a need for more research, recent data brings promising news about cannabis use in cancer care. The American Medical Association (AMA), American College of Physicians (ACP), and federal agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have all voiced the need for more in-depth studies to uncover the full medical benefits of cannabis. While they acknowledge its potential to help, they stress the importance of better understanding appropriate dosages and long-term effects. Now, new research offers more data on the role of cannabis in cancer care, reinforcing their calls for action.
Cannabis is not a direct treatment for cancer, but studies have shown that marijuana-derived cannabinoids such as THC and CBD can play a significant role in relieving symptoms and easing the side effects of cancer and its treatments, including chemotherapy. These cannabinoids help manage pain, nausea, and appetite loss, offering a holistic approach to symptom relief. While more studies could investigate its potential as a treatment, this research shifts the focus to patient attitudes toward medical marijuana. Researchers from the University of California San Diego and the VA Health Care system partnered for a one-year study, conducting a comprehensive survey of nearly 1,000 adult cancer patients at various stages of treatment. What they discovered offers key insights into how patients perceive cannabis as part of their care.
The findings, led by Corinne McDaniels-Davidson, were published in the *Journal of the National Cancer Institute*. The research explored the decision-making processes, perceived benefits, and risks of cannabis use in adults with cancer. “There’s a vacuum in the world of cancer care. Many oncologists don’t talk to their patients about cannabis or refer them to a pain management specialist instead,” said McDaniels-Davidson, associate director at the SDSU School of Public Health. This gap in communication is particularly striking given the results of the study, which revealed that around a third of the cancer patients surveyed used cannabis after their diagnosis. However, only a small percentage of those patients discussed their cannabis use with their oncologists. This indicates a disconnect between patients’ desire to use cannabis and their healthcare providers’ engagement in these discussions.
The study also found that patients’ perceptions of cannabis significantly influenced their likelihood of using it. Survivors who believed that cannabis had benefits were five times more likely to use it after their diagnosis. Conversely, those who perceived any risks associated with cannabis were nearly 60% less likely to have used it post-diagnosis. This highlights the powerful role that perception plays in patients’ decision-making processes regarding alternative treatments like cannabis.
Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence of its use dating back to around 8000 BC in the Oki Islands near Japan. Despite its long history as a healing plant, cannabis developed a negative reputation in the early 20th century, largely due to legal and political factors. However, modern understanding of its therapeutic properties remains strong, particularly in areas like pain management, anxiety reduction, and anti-nausea effects. As this study suggests, cancer patients who see these benefits are more inclined to explore cannabis as an option to improve their quality of life during treatment.
Interestingly, the study also found that cancer survivors diagnosed with more advanced stages of the disease, particularly stages 3 and 4, were more likely to use cannabis. These patients often face more intense symptoms and side effects, which may explain their openness to alternative therapies like medical marijuana. However, the study also uncovered a troubling misconception: 19% of cannabis users believed, incorrectly, that cannabis could treat or even cure cancer. This highlights the need for better education about the realistic benefits of cannabis. While it cannot cure cancer, its potential to manage symptoms and improve quality of life is becoming increasingly recognized.
The researchers noted that the study offers healthcare professionals valuable insights into how patients view cannabis and underscores the importance of open communication. “Our data shows about a third of the patients surveyed used cannabis after their diagnosis, but only a few of those patients said they had told their oncologist,” said McDaniels-Davidson. This lack of communication between patients and oncologists presents a significant challenge, especially given that cannabis is becoming more widely accepted as a complementary therapy in cancer care. With the results of this study, medical professionals are better equipped to discuss the realistic uses of cannabis with their patients, addressing both the benefits and the misconceptions.
In conclusion, while cannabis cannot cure cancer, its role in symptom management is gaining traction, providing relief from the often debilitating side effects of cancer treatment. This new study contributes valuable data that supports the growing interest in cannabis as part of cancer care and underscores the need for ongoing research to fully understand its potential benefits and risks. By continuing to explore the relationship between cannabis and cancer, researchers and medical professionals can offer patients more informed, balanced options for improving their quality of life during treatment.