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:

• Carcinoma

• Leukemia

• Lymphoma

• Melanoma

• Multiple myeloma

• 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.

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CANCER SYMPTOMS

Early cancer symptoms vary and may include:

• Abdominal pain

• Appetite changes and/or difficulty eating

• Changes in bowel or urination habits

• Fatigue

• Hoarseness or a cough that does not go away

• Night sweats

• Slow healing

• 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)

• Unusual bleeding or discharge

Traditional cancer medications and therapies may also result in a number of debilitating side effects, including:

• Bleeding and bruising

• Fatigue

• Loss of appetite

• Memory or concentration problems

• Nausea and vomiting

• Pain and/or nerve problems

• Trouble sleeping

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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:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea and vomiting

• 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.