Shipra Taneja1,2, Yanbo Guo1,2, Marissa Slaven3,4, Aly-Khan Lalani4,5, Erynn Shaw3,4, Camilla Tajzler1,2, Sebastien Hotte4,5, Anil Kapoor1,2,4,5. 1. Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada. 2. McMaster Institute of Urology, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada. 3. Department of Family Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada. 4. Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada. 5. Department of Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada in 2018 has led to many patients being curious about the benefits of taking cannabis in conjunction with their cancer treatment. We investigated the perceptions among genitourinary (GU) cancer patients regarding cannabis use as part of their care plans. METHODS: A survey was created to explore current cannabis use behaviors, reasons for cannabis use, and the beliefs of cannabis usefulness towards cancer-related care, including cancer treatment, among GU cancer patients. The survey was distributed across Canada online via RedCAP through social media platforms, email, and patient advocacy groups. The survey was active from August to December 2020. RESULTS: Of eighty-five responses, 52 met inclusion for analysis. Participants included 11 bladder, 26 kidney, and 15 prostate cancer patients. Many (48.1%) participants used cannabis daily and 75% had been using it for more than one year. Cannabis was consumed through oil-based products, edibles, and smoking. The most common reasons for using cannabis were cancer-related anxiety, to prevent cancer progression, cancer-related pain, recreational use, and other, non-cancer-related illness or symptoms. Participants believed cannabis improved their sleep (70.2%), anxiety (65.9%), and overall mood (72.3%). Most participants were either unsure (38.3%) or neutral (31.9%) in the belief that cannabis might decrease their cancer progression. CONCLUSIONS: GU cancer patients use cannabis for a variety of cancer- and non-cancer-related symptoms. Many patients believe cannabis has benefited their cancer-related symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of healthcare providers remaining familiar with current evidence on cannabis to support patient conversations about cannabis use.
INTRODUCTION: The legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada in 2018 has led to many patients being curious about the benefits of taking cannabis in conjunction with their cancer treatment. We investigated the perceptions among genitourinary (GU) cancer patients regarding cannabis use as part of their care plans. METHODS: A survey was created to explore current cannabis use behaviors, reasons for cannabis use, and the beliefs of cannabis usefulness towards cancer-related care, including cancer treatment, among GU cancer patients. The survey was distributed across Canada online via RedCAP through social media platforms, email, and patient advocacy groups. The survey was active from August to December 2020. RESULTS: Of eighty-five responses, 52 met inclusion for analysis. Participants included 11 bladder, 26 kidney, and 15 prostate cancer patients. Many (48.1%) participants used cannabis daily and 75% had been using it for more than one year. Cannabis was consumed through oil-based products, edibles, and smoking. The most common reasons for using cannabis were cancer-related anxiety, to prevent cancer progression, cancer-related pain, recreational use, and other, non-cancer-related illness or symptoms. Participants believed cannabis improved their sleep (70.2%), anxiety (65.9%), and overall mood (72.3%). Most participants were either unsure (38.3%) or neutral (31.9%) in the belief that cannabis might decrease their cancer progression. CONCLUSIONS: GU cancer patients use cannabis for a variety of cancer- and non-cancer-related symptoms. Many patients believe cannabis has benefited their cancer-related symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of healthcare providers remaining familiar with current evidence on cannabis to support patient conversations about cannabis use.
Authors: Anil A Thomas; Lauren P Wallner; Virginia P Quinn; Jeffrey Slezak; Stephen K Van Den Eeden; Gary W Chien; Steven J Jacobsen Journal: Urology Date: 2014-11-01 Impact factor: 2.649
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