Get to Know Ethan Zohn, the Ultimate “Survivor”

How the Winner of Survivor Found Guided Cannabis Care and Became EO Care’s Cancer Ambassador

Ethan Zohn truly embodies the word “survivor.” In 2001, he won Survivor Africa, the third season of the popular reality TV show — and later became a two-time survivor of a rare blood cancer. At the age of 35 and in the prime of his life, this fit, former professional soccer player was diagnosed with CD20+ Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Over several years, Ethan endured aggressive treatment including two stem cell transplants. 

To help with the pain, nausea, sleeplessness, and anxiety he experienced as a result of his cancer and treatments, Ethan’s doctors prescribed what he calls a “horrible cycle of synthetic drugs” that left him feeling out of control. He became determined to reduce the medications he was on and find more natural treatments. 

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Ethan’s Search for Relief

Ethan had heard that medical cannabis could help with cancer symptoms. And in fact, a large body of research supports the efficacy of cannabis for cancer symptoms such as pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and poor appetite. But none of Ethan’s oncologists could offer guidance on dosages, potential interactions with other medications, or even where to safely source cannabis. 

In desperation, Ethan resorted to getting advice and products from local New York City drug dealers. “Engaging in illegal activities while also battling cancer was a horrible, stressful experience that no one should have to manage,” he says. To add to the stress, Ethan had little choice but to experiment with products and doses on his own, which can be ineffective and even unsafe. “I did a lot of things wrong and was experimenting on my own body with no guidance. It wasn’t okay.”

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A New Chapter: Guided Cannabis Care

Finally, Ethan found an online cannabis nurse and paid out of pocket for a consultation. With clinical guidance, he was able to reduce the dosages of other medications and even get off some completely. He says, “with cannabis, that uncontrollable feeling and dependence on synthetic drugs went away. It was a huge deal to gain back that control as a cancer patient. If I’d had a doctor or nurse that could’ve figured this out for me at the start, I would’ve suffered so much less and experienced so many fewer side effects.”

Today, as more states legalize medical cannabis, more patients with cancer are using cannabis to help relieve symptoms during and after treatment. In fact, up to 40% of patients with cancer will use cannabis at some point in their cancer journey, and studies show that cannabis has a better side effect profile and a lower risk of addiction than prescription medications such as opioids. Still, too many are using cannabis on their own without clinical guidance for dosage, times of use, or interaction with other medications. For patients, clinical guidance is crucial.

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Ethan’s Commitment to Making an Impact

Today, Ethan is passionate about using his experience to help patients with cancer who may benefit from clinically guided cannabis care. He’s now a cancer ambassador and consultant for EO Care, the first clinically guided health and wellness solution designed to help employers support employees with critical illness. Ethan says, “my goal is to raise awareness so other people don’t have to go through what I went through.” That’s because, as Ethan says, “chemotherapy, radiation, and transplants cured my cancer, but cannabis saved my life.”

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More About Cannabis and Cancer Support

Support is right here. If you have questions about cannabis and cancer support, try our Personalized Education Platform chatbot or connect with a Realm of Caring expert by calling (888) 823-6143.