Cannabis Use and Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Cancer Survivors

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-1-2025

Publication Title

Cancer Med

Keywords

Humans, Male, Female, Cancer Survivors, Adult, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Cross-Sectional Studies, Middle Aged, United States, Young Adult, Adolescent, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Prevalence, Aged, Neoplasms, Marijuana Use

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between adverse childhood events (ACEs) and cannabis use among adult cancer survivors in the United States.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of cancer survivors ≥ 18 years old using 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. ACEs were categorized as 0, 1, 2-3, and ≥ 4. Weighted multivariable logistic regression estimated the odds of cannabis use by ACE category.

RESULTS: Among 7896 cancer survivors, cannabis use prevalence was 6.0%. ACE distribution was 44.1% (0), 22.7% (1), 20.2% (2-3), and 13.0% (≥ 4). Cannabis use was more common among younger adults, Hispanics, never-married individuals, smokers, and those reporting fair/poor health. Compared to those with 0 ACEs, cancer survivors with 2-3 ACEs (aOR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.57-4.27) and ≥ 4 ACEs (aOR: 4.10, 95% CI: 2.54-6.64) had significantly higher odds of cannabis use.

CONCLUSIONS: Cancer survivors with a higher number of ACEs reported increased odds of cannabis use. These findings support further study of ACEs and substance use in cancer survivors and may inform trauma-informed survivorship care.

Medical Subject Headings

Humans; Male; Female; Cancer Survivors; Adult; Adverse Childhood Experiences; Cross-Sectional Studies; Middle Aged; United States; Young Adult; Adolescent; Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; Prevalence; Aged; Neoplasms; Marijuana Use

PubMed ID

41275428

Volume

14

Issue

22

First Page

71400

Last Page

71400

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