JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. (420CanNews) — “Going green” has a new meaning in the medical world. The signs of marijuana use are becoming less about tie-dye and munchies and more about relief and recovery, particularly in breast cancer treatment guidelines.
October is dressed in pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, casting a global spotlight on one of the most prevalent diseases. The progress made against breast cancer has been monumental, with the best breast cancer treatment centers pioneering innovative therapies and constantly evolving breast cancer treatment guidelines.
Weeding Out Symptoms: How Medical Marijuana is Transforming Breast Cancer Treatment
Traditionally, breast cancer treatment guidelines include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. But there’s a new player turning heads in the medical field: medical marijuana, according to the cannabis news industry. Far from being just the interest of potheads, cannabis is proving to be a potential game-changer in managing symptoms related to breast cancer and side effects from its treatment.
According to a survey published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology®, nearly half of respondents reported using cannabis to help manage symptoms such as insomnia (70%), pain (59%), anxiety (57%), stress (51%), and nausea/vomiting (46%). Medical marijuana is carving out its niche in the cancer journey, with patients using it before (24%), during (79%), and after (54%) their treatment.
The growing interest in this herbal remedy isn’t limited to patients experimenting at home. Many a local cannabis company is expanding product ranges to include CBD body butter, oils, edibles, tinctures, and topicals catering to the specific needs of breast cancer patients.
In one study, nearly half of breast cancer patients used marijuana for symptom management. Most reported that it effectively treated pain, nausea, anxiety, and insomnia. Patients used cannabis products throughout treatment, as well as post-recovery.
Cannabis also has the potential to impede cancer growth directly. Early studies reveal tumor-fighting powers that make medical marijuana a promising cancer therapy choice. It may even boost the effects of radiation against cancer.
Here Are Some Key Ways Marijuana Assists in Breast Cancer Treatment:
Relieves Pain
Studies show marijuana significantly reduces chronic pain – one of the main symptoms of breast cancer. It also decreases pain from surgery, radiation, or other treatments. Cannabis activates receptors in the body and brain to alleviate acute and neuropathic pain.
Reduces Nausea
Chemotherapy and radiation can wreak havoc on the digestive system. The THC and CBD in cannabis settle nausea and stimulate appetite. Marijuana’s antiemetic effects help women maintain strength and weight during breast cancer treatment.
Promotes Sleep
Insomnia is a common complaint of breast cancer patients. Marijuana contains relaxing terpenes like linalool that ease anxiety and induce sleep. THC also alters sleep cycles so patients spend more time in restorative REM sleep.
Boosts Appetite
Advanced breast cancer or intense treatments like chemotherapy often lead to unwanted weight loss. Cannabis kickstarts hunger, making it easier for women to get the calories and nutrients needed.
Eases Anxiety and Depression
A breast cancer diagnosis understandably leads to stress and depression. Marijuana lifts mood and eases anxiety without sedative side effects. It mellows the mind and enhances well-being.
May Inhibit Cancer Cell Growth
Early research indicates THC and CBD – the active compounds in cannabis – may slow or prevent tumor growth. It also shows the potential to curb the spread of aggressive cancer cells.
Enhances Radiation Treatment
Studies reveal that cannabis may work synergistically with radiation therapy for breast cancer. Its antioxidants fight cell damage from radiation while boosting cancer cell death.
Integrative therapies like cannabis may complement conventional treatment when used judiciously under medical guidance in implementing breast cancer treatment guidelines. Building a solid team with all-star support like marijuana gives breast cancer patients hope of winning the fight against this disease.
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— Story Filed By 420CanNews Staff
Here’s More Information on the Topic:
Medical Marijuana For Cancer
https://accessmarijuanarx.com/medical-marijuana-for-cancer/
How Medical Marijuana Can Help Breast Cancer Patients
https://accessmarijuanarx.com/how-medical-marijuana-can-help-breast-cancer-patients/
A Survey of Breast Cancer Patients’ Use of Cannabis Before, During, and after Treatment
https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2020.38.15_suppl.e19210
