February 4th is World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day 

The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) recognizes February 4th as World Cancer Day. With more than 10 million deaths from cancer each year and more than a third being preventable, we need to raise awareness, educate, and take action to influence this overwhelming statistic. 

Cancer

Cancer is a disease caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in a part of the body. These cells form tumors. If the tumors are malignant, they can grow to invade surrounding tissues, break off and invade other parts of the body, where they begin to grow. This is known as metastasis. 

Tumors that can spread and destroy surrounding tissue or invade other parts of the body can grow until they become bothersome to the individual when pressing on other tissues or organs. This is usually an advanced form of cancer and is more challenging to treat.

Equity Gap

This year's World Cancer Day theme is "Close the Gap." UICC refers to the equity gap in our world and the first step is realizing a problem in equal care exists globally. If cancer has not affected you personally, it likely has affected someone you know. Discrimination should not affect a person's health care on the basis of ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, and lifestyle. Lower-income groups are more likely to be exposed to other risk factors, such as tobacco, unhealthy diets, or environmental hazards. No one should encounter barriers to appropriate healthcare. 

According to UICC – “The equity gap is a reality for all countries everywhere, high- and low-income alike, and negatively affects people from all walks of life.  

Take Action:

Although we cannot change our genetics or age, we can prevent many cancers. Make a personal commitment to getting healthy and fit. Lifestyle changes include:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight.

  • Exercising regularly.

  • Eating a healthy diet.

  • Drinking alcohol in moderation.

  • Limiting ultraviolet light.

  • Not smoking.

Get regular annual checks and screenings, as early detection is essential. Start with small goals. Drink an extra glass of water each day. Walk a short distance, make it a bit longer each day. Sleep an additional 30 minutes each night. Exercise even if from a chair. Wear sunscreen and avoid the sun during peak times of the day. 

Cancer and MMJ

Recent preclinical studies suggest MMJ may be a promising adjunct to cancer treatment and may increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation.

The preclinical data suggests that MMJ may act through several mechanisms of action, including triggering cell death (apoptosis), preventing cell growth and division, preventing the development of blood vessels feeding tumors (antiangiogenic) and preventing cancer cells from migrating into other areas of the body (metastasis). It is vital to consult your doctor, as cannabinoids have also been shown to stimulate some cancer cells. We don't have enough clinical data to know for sure. 

Common cannabinoids that may have anti-cancer properties are THC, CBD, CBG, THCA, CBDA. Possible beneficial terpenes are beta caryophyllene, humulene, limonene, myrcene, depending on your specific symptoms. 

There are many types and stages of cancer, as well as treatments for them. MMJ has shown potential benefits to help with the side effects of traditional therapies (chemotherapy, radiation, medication, hormonal therapies). 

There is no one-size-fits-all with cancer and MMJ. The case of each individual is unique, and it is essential to consider environmental, genetics, diet, and other factors. 

A cancer treatment plan should consider the individual's goals, treatment symptoms, and personal preface. Symptoms can range from nausea to weight loss to anxiety, inflammation, pain and body pain, depression, and insomnia. Talk to your recommending physicians about whether MMJ therapy is safe to treat symptoms of your qualifying condition if you have cancer.

If you are looking for more information about including medical marijuana in your treatment plan, we welcome you to contact us to schedule a phone consultation with a Maitri pharmacist or to just ask a few questions. 

For Additional Information on World Cancer Day and how you can make a difference: 

Above all, be aware! Spread the word! Ask questions! Be your advocate! 

Additional Resources:


References:

Schussel V, Kenzo L, Santos A, Bueno J, Yoshimura E, de Oliveira Cruz Latorraca C, Pachito DV, Riera R. Cannabinoids for nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy: Overview of systematic reviews. Phytother Res. 2018 Apr;32(4):567-576.


Whiting PF, Wolff RF, Deshpande S, Di Nisio M, Duffy S, Hernandez AV, Keurentjes JC, Lang S, Misso K, Ryder S, Schmidlkofer S, Westwood M, Kleijnen J. Cannabinoids for Medical Use: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA. 2015 Jun 23-30;313(24):2456-73


Tafelski S, Häuser W, Schäfer M. Efficacy, tolerability, and safety of cannabinoids for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting--a systematic review of systematic reviews. Schmerz. 2016 Feb;30(1):14-24.


Twelves C, Short S, Wright S, and Cannabinoid in Recurrent Glioma Study Group. Journal of Clinical Oncology.2017; 35:15_suppl, 2046-2046


Endocannabinoids and Cancer Guillermo Velasco, Cristina Sa ́nchez, and Manuel Guzma ́n R.G. Pertwee (ed.), Endocannabinoids, Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology 231, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-20825-1_16 

This information is designed for educational purposes only. It would be best not to rely on this information as a substitute for or replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Suppose you have any concerns or questions about your health. In that case, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. The FDA has not evaluated this information, nor is it intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease or disorder of any kind.


Marisa maraugha