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A new study by the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center and the Kentucky Cannabis Center provides insight into how some cancer patients are using cannabis, the benefits they report and how physicians can help patients make informed decisions.

Published in The Oncologist, the study recruited 237 adult patients who received radiation for their cancer between July 2023 and February 2024 from an urban and rural oncology practice. Using a self-guided tablet survey, patients answered questions about their symptoms, quality of life, current financial situation and whether they used cannabis, including how they obtained it.

Of those surveyed, just over half reported using unprescribed cannabis for medicinal purposes at some point in their lifetime, while about 15% reported recent use following their cancer diagnosis.

The most common reasons patients reported using cannabis were pain, nausea, anxiety and depression. Of the 35 patients who used cannabis following a cancer diagnosis, 80% reported improvement in their primary symptom, while nearly 89% reported improvement in overall quality of life.

The study shows an opportunity for oncologists to talk openly with patients about their cannabis use—94% of the recent cannabis users noted they would be likely to discuss the subject with their health care providers if given the opportunity.

Meanwhile, many rural radiation oncologists report limited formal education on cannabis pharmacology. The researchers say more education and evidence-based clinical guidance could help clinicians better counsel patients about issues including dosing, potential drug interactions, adverse effects and appropriate monitoring.

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