Patients with a cancer diagnosis experience multiple symptoms related to cancer itself or treatments. These symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain, and anorexia significantly impact the quality of life and are felt by more than 90% of patients. In 2016, the Australian government amended the Narcotic Drugs Act 1967 for the use of medicinal cannabis. Since then, the interest in its use has risen. Due to limited evidence many Australian medical practitioners and specialists dealing with cancer patients feeling unconfident in prescribing or giving advice on the appropriate use of medicinal cannabis.
Our study includes a survey of 20 cancer patients from a WA tertiary hospital that aims to capture the patterns of use and views of medicinal cannabis.
Of the 20 patients, we found that 35% of patients have used cannabis in the past, 15% are current users and many more are considering the use of cannabis. Cannabis users obtained this on non-prescriptional basis and many had used this recreationally. About 43% of users were using cannabis for cancer related symptoms or treating their cancer. Patients considering the use would be more comfortable to use cannabis under the guidance or recommendation of a health care professional.
Currently, there is no clinical trial evidence supporting the use of medicinal cannabis, in fact, there could be potential interactions with ongoing cancer treatment. More research is required that could address its use in cancer patients mainly relating to efficacy, safety, dosing, and potential adverse effects.