CANNABIS USE AMONG CANCER SURVIVORS AND THE IMPACT ON CANCER-RELATED PAIN

Abstract

With a growing population of older adult cancer survivors—many of whom experience cancer-related pain—interest in medical cannabis as a pain management strategy has increased. This secondary analysis used data from the 2022 U.S. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to examine cannabis use behaviors among cancer survivors and assess associations with cancer-related pain. The study had three aims: (1) to describe 30-day cannabis use (prevalence, intensity, and administration routes) by chronic health condition and cancer diagnosis, focusing on non-melanoma skin cancer, melanoma, and other cancers; (2) to compare demographics, health characteristics, and tobacco use by cannabis use status among cancer survivors; and (3) to assess whether cannabis use was linked to cancer-related pain. Weighted descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Overall, 15.9% of respondents (n=12,429) reported past 30-day cannabis use, with use highest among those with chronic health conditions (excluding cancer) and lowest among cancer survivors. Non-melanoma skin cancer survivors had significantly lower cannabis use intensity than those with other chronic conditions. Cancer survivors also reported lower use of smoke, vape, and dab methods. Among survivors, current cannabis use was associated with certain demographics, poorer perceived health, and current tobacco use. Adjusted models showed that both current cannabis use and poorer health status were significantly associated with cancer-related pain. These findings highlight the importance of understanding cannabis use patterns among cancer survivors and their potential implications for pain management