WHAT IS CANCER?
Cancer is a group of diseases in which there is uncontrolled cell growth and division that causes interference with the natural functions of the body. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 38.4% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetime.
Cancer is a genetic disease that can have a strong pattern of inheritance. There are currently over 100 known forms of cancer. Some of the most prevalent categories include:
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Carcinoma
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Leukemia
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Lymphoma
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Melanoma
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Multiple myeloma
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Sarcoma
Cancer treatment often involves a combination of therapies, including: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, stem cell transplants, and precision medicine.
CANCER SYMPTOMS
Early cancer symptoms vary and may include:
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Abdominal pain
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Appetite changes and/or difficulty eating
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Changes in bowel or urination habits
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Fatigue
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Hoarseness or a cough that does not go away
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Night sweats
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Slow healing
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Skin changes (such as a new mole or change in an existing mole, a thickening or lump on or under the skin, or a change in skin texture)
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Unusual bleeding or discharge
Traditional cancer medications and therapies may also result in a number of debilitating side effects, including:
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Bleeding and bruising
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Fatigue
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Loss of appetite
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Memory or concentration problems
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Nausea and vomiting
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Pain and/or nerve problems
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Trouble sleeping
HOW MEDICAL MARIJUANA HELPS CANCER PATIENTS
According to a recent survey of over 900 cancer patients, less than 15% received information about medical marijuana from their physician or nurse – despite acknowledgement from the National Cancer Institute that cannabis treats a wide variety of disease symptoms and “has been shown to kill cancer cells.”
Specifically, medical marijuana has demonstrated efficacy in treating the following cancer symptoms and therapy side effects:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Loss of appetite
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Nausea and vomiting
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Pain and/or nerve damage (neuropathy)
In addition, research suggests cannabis may exert anti-cancer effects by causing cell death, modulating cell-signaling pathways, and inhibiting tumor invasion. For instance, a 2011 study of cannabidiol (CBD) found that CBD kills breast cancer cells by inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress and inhibiting cell-signaling. Likewise, colon cancer studies show that CBD has a cancer-protective effect and reduces cell proliferation.