Cancer is a group of several hundred diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell division that spreads into surrounding healthy tissues. Cannabis is a plant that has been used for
thousands of years for medicinal purposes, but its use has been long prohibited due to its frequent abuse. Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) is a plant from the Cannabaceae family. The two most known pharmacollogically active compounds are cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). In Slovenia, cannabinoid medications are primarily used as adjunct therapy in the treatment of epileptic seizures, spastic seizures in multiple sclerosis, and nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. An increasingly common
and widespread practice is the use of cannabinoid supplements for self-treatment of symptoms associated with cancer.
With the help of an anonymous questionnaire distributed among oncology patients at the Medical Oncology Unit at the University Clinic Golnik, we conducted a cross-sectional
study to explore the views and perceptions of oncology patients on the use of cannabis for self-treatment. Responses were collected over three months and then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using the SPSS program. We collected 136 properly completed questionnaires from oncology patients with lung cancer.
Patients mostly believed that cannabis could help with cancer, chronic pain, and insomnia. The majority believed it could cause a feeling of intoxication, dizziness, and drowsiness, however it generally could not worsen their health condition. They were aware that the use of cannabis is not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and patients receiving cancer immunotherapy. 57 % of respondents had already independently sought information on the use of cannabis, primarily through internet sources and friends, and 60 % of patients, who searched for infomration on cannabis, had not discussed it with healthcare professionals - citing fear of being treated differently as the most common reason. Information was more frequently sought by patients who experienced more side effects during their cancer treatment.
This study provides an important insight into the views and expectations of oncology patients regarding the use of cannabis in self-treatment.
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