Survey: Most Oncologists Discuss Medical Marijuana with Cancer Patients

Medical marijuana continues to be a hot topic among mesothelioma patients and a popular way to cope with disease symptoms and treatment side effects. As more states legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes, more cancer patients are asking their doctors about the natural therapy. A recent survey published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology shows as many as 80 percent of oncologists talk about medical marijuana with their patients. Of the 237 oncologists who responded to the survey, more than half (55 percent) practice in one of the 28 states where medical marijuana is legal. Questions on the survey covered recommendations oncologists provided to patients, how much the doctors knew about medical marijuana, and their thoughts on using it for cancer-related symptoms. The researchers behind the study concluded cancer patients often initiate conversations about medical marijuana, but knowledge gaps persist among oncologists. “Our study shows that medical marijuana is a salient topic in cancer care today, and the majority of oncologists think it may have utility for certain patients,” Dr. Ilana Braun, study author and chief of the Division of Adult Psychosocial Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, said in an American Society of Clinical Oncology press release. “While this topic is common, however, data on medical marijuana use is less so. We need to bridge this gap so oncologists have the unbiased information they need to assist with decision-m...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Source Type: news