J. S. Chiang1, J. Hall2, S. Jackson3, V. Qu4, E. Pollom3, and B. M. Beadle3; 1Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford Health Care, Stanford, CA, 2Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 3Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 4University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
Purpose/Objective(s): A survey was conducted to evaluate the perception, use, and information sources of medical cannabis among patients with head and neck cancer, as well as identify opportunities for providers to help clarify its use. Materials/
Methods: Three hundred thirteen consecutive patients with head and neck cancer seen in the radiation oncology department at one institution in CA from October 2022 – June 2023 were screened for eligibility to participate in the survey. Eligibility criteria included biopsy-proven cancer diagnosis, age = 18 years, and primary language of English. Eligible patients were then contacted over telephone to invite their participation in the survey; the survey was administered via email upon receipt of written consent. Demographic and clinical data were collected from the electronic health record and survey, including age, gender, race, ethnicity, metastatic status, COVID-19 vaccination status, substance use history, relationship and employment status, and level of education. Survey responses were recorded and analyzed using chi-squared tests to evaluate whether clinical and socioeconomic factors were associated with patients’ perception, use, and information sources of medical cannabis. All analysis was performed in R, ver. 4.3.2. Results: Of 259 eligible patients, 123 patients responded to initial contact for invitation to participate in the study; 59 patients declined participation, and 64 patients consented to participation. 54 patients completed the survey. When patients were asked about their beliefs regarding medical cannabis, 39% responded positively or neutrally regarding its potential to cure cancer, while 63% responded positively or neutrally regarding their belief that it helps cancer patients live longer, even if it does not eliminate the cancer. Most patients (72%) agreed it can help reduce symptoms of cancer and/or its treatment. Overall, 57% of patients reported having used cannabis, 43% of patients have actively sought information on cannabis, and only 19% have discussed its use with their cancer treatment team. However, 73% expressed interest in such discussions. Education was found to be associated with patients’ beliefs regarding whether cannabis can cure cancer (P = 0.039) and help cancer patients live longer (P = 0.049); more patients with education beyond a bachelor’s degree disagreed with these beliefs. No patient characteristics were associated with whether patients have searched for information on cannabis or have wanted to discuss cannabis use with their treatment team. Conclusion: Despite significant interest in discussing cannabis with their treatment team, few patients have these conversations. Higher education correlated with disbelief in cannabis being able to cure cancer or prolong survival, highlighting the impact of educational background on patient perspectives. Improved communication between healthcare providers and patients is needed.