Cannabis stigma and symptom management considerations in cancer survivors: a mixed-methods exploration of patient perspectives.
| Journal | Supportive care in cancer: official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer |
| Study Type | Observational Study |
| Population | Human participants |
This item covers developments relevant to cannabis medicine and clinical practice. Clinicians monitoring evidence in this area should review the source material.
This study aims to assess for indications of stigma and attitudes toward cannabis among cancer survivors (CS) who use or consider the use of cannabis. This study employed a convergent, parallel mixed methods design utilizing focus group and questionnaire data to assess the presence of stigma among a sample of CS (n = 23) who use (n = 10) and do not use (n = 13) cannabis to manage symptoms. CS were recruited from a multi-site observational study in the Northeast U.S. region that assesses cannabis use among oncology patients. A total of 23 CS participated in this study. In general, this sample appeared to have positive attitudes towards cannabis, as indicated by quantitative results, and most CS felt accepting or neutral about other CS using cannabis, irrespective of whether they used or not. Most CS did not indicate experiences of stigma for cannabis use, did not feel judged by their medical providers, and indicated a feeling of empowerment to do whatever was needed to feel better. Howe
“This is a development worth tracking. The clinical implications will become clearer as more evidence accumulates.”
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FAQ
How did researchers study cannabis stigma among cancer survivors?
They used a convergent, parallel mixed methods design that combined focus groups with questionnaire data. The aim was to assess signs of stigma and attitudes toward cannabis among cancer survivors who use cannabis or are considering it. The study was published in Supportive Care in Cancer.
Who took part in the cancer survivor cannabis stigma study?
The study included 23 cancer survivors: 10 who used cannabis to manage symptoms and 13 who did not. Participants were recruited from a multi-site observational study in the Northeast U.S. region that assesses cannabis use among oncology patients.
Did cancer survivors who use cannabis feel judged by their doctors?
Most did not, based on the sample as a whole. Across the 23 cancer survivors in this study, including 10 who used cannabis and 13 who did not, most did not report experiences of stigma for cannabis use and did not feel judged by their medical providers. Most also indicated a feeling of empowerment to do whatever was needed to feel better.
How did cancer survivors view other survivors using cannabis?
Mostly with acceptance or neutrality. Quantitative results indicated that the sample appeared to have positive attitudes toward cannabis overall, and most survivors felt accepting or neutral about other survivors using cannabis. This was true whether or not they used cannabis themselves. The study was small, with 23 participants.
