Experience of young patients with cancer discussing cannabis with their providers.

Abstract

12061 Background: Although cannabis use among cancer patients to manage cancer treatment-related symptoms continues to grow, little is known about patterns in patient-provider communication regarding cannabis use. We examined demographic differences in cannabis communication among cancer patients and providers at a National Cancer Institute designated cancer center. Methods: We used data of 495 cancer patients via an anonymous electronic survey administered at the University of Miami via REDCap. Participants with consent to contact notations in their electronic medical record were recruited via phone calls and personalized messages in their MyUCHART portal. Self-reported responses on patients' disclosure of cannabis use to healthcare providers and their comfort on discussing cannabis with cancer doctors were analyzed. Age was categorized as: 20-39y, 40-59y and ≥60y. Chi-squared/Fisher’s exact tests and logistic regression analyses were conducted adjusting for age, sex, and ethnicity. Results: The sample was 51.8% male, 39.4% Hispanic, and mean age was 45.9y (SD=15.1) (41.1% were between 20-39y); 43.8% were undergoing treatment and 35.4% were in follow-up/finished treatment. Almost half (45.5%) reported current (past 30-days) cannabis use. Younger (20-39y) patients had higher prevalence of not disclosing cannabis use than older (>60y) patients (36.8% vs 23.9% p<0.01). There were no sex or ethnicity statistical differences. Majority (67.7%) of current cannabis users reported comfort discussing cannabis use with their provider. However, among individuals aged 20-39y, 40.8% reported feeling uncomfortable discussing cannabis with their cancer doctor. In the 40-59y age group, 21.0% expressed discomfort, while only 5.6% of those over 60 years reported similar unease. After adjusting for age, sex, and ethnicity, newly diagnosed cancer patients had lower odds (aOR:0.41, 95% CI:0.17-0.99) of feeling comfortable discussing cannabis use compared to those in follow-up/finished treatment group. Conclusions: Age was a significant factor in disclosing cannabis use to healthcare providers, with disparities noted by age group. These insights highlight the importance of considering age-related factors and treatment status when addressing cannabis use discussions within the oncology setting.