Navigating Cancer Care and Cannabis Use: Transforming Workplace Support

As employers continue to navigate the evolving dynamics of employee cannabis use, Human Resource Executive spoke with Dr. Brooke Worster, an Associate Professor of Medicine at Jefferson Health in Philadelphia, PA, the Director of the Division of Supportive Oncology, and the Program Director of Cannabis Medicine for the Science and Business Master’s Program. In the article When it comes to cancer care, employers need more guidance on cannabis use Dr. Brooke Worster, M.D. provides an expert medical perspective on critical illness and survivorship, the medical use of cannabis, how to improve guidance around the management of cancer-related side effects, and helps employers to better understand workplace support and safe return-to-work options.

Cancer still casts a significant shadow with a 40% chance of a cancer diagnosis in a lifetime. Through improved detection and medical advances, survival rates are on the upswing and there is a growing number of individuals living with the aftermath of cancer and its treatments.

As many survivors strive to rejoin the workforce while they manage the ongoing challenges that accompany cancer's aftermath, cannabis has provided health benefits for cancer patients to manage chronic pain, nausea, sleep disturbances, and anxiety – both during treatment and survivorship. 40% of patients with cancer will use cannabis at some point along their cancer trajectory for treatment-related side effects. Today, people are using cannabis unsafely and ineffectively due to a lack of clinical guidance. Employees, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds, face a mortality rate 14% to 25% higher than their wealthier counterparts. 

The quest for safe, alternative therapies for those grappling with the long-term aftermath of cancer and eager to resume their professional lives gives employers a vital role as a catalyst for change in the lives of battling employees. Guided cannabis usage emerges as a powerful tool to level the playing field, mitigate risks, and improve overall well-being. 

Learn how HR leaders can proactively create supportive workplace environments. 

Read the full article here