Characteristics of Cannabis Use Among Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective Understand the characteristics of cannabis use, including frequency, mode, and purpose, among head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. Methods 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. Results 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. Conclusions 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 of Evidence Level 4.

Keywords

• cannabis
• drug use
• head and neck cancer
• marijuana