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.
For white women in the US, the five-year survival rate for cervical cancer is 71%. For black women, the rate is just 58%.
In New Zealand, Māori are twice as likely to die from cancer as non-Māori.
Childhood cancer survival rates are over 80% in high-income countries but as low as 20% in low-income countries.
More than 90% of cervical cancer mortality occurs in low- and middle-income countries.
Cancer kills nearly 10 million people a year and some 70% of those are aged 65 or older, yet older populations face disproportionate barriers to effective treatment.
In refugee populations, cancer is more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage, leading to worse outcomes.
Due in part to discrimination from healthcare practitioners, cancer screening among transgender people is lower than in the rest of the population.
There are notable differences in cancer-related outcomes for rural and nonrural patients, even in high-income settings such as the US. “
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!
World Cancer Day - https://www.worldcancerday.org/
Additional Resources:
Pennsylvania tobacco cessation program- PA.Quitlogix.orghttps://www.health.pa.gov/topics/programs/tobacco/Pages/Tobacco.aspx
State Federally Funded Health Centers (FQHC) help close the equity gap –https://www.health.pa.gov/About/Pages/State%20Health%20Centers.aspx
UPMC Cancer Center information https://hillman.upmc.com/patients-
Allegheny Health Network Cancer Center https://www.ahn.org/services/cancer.html
Excela Health Cancer Information- https://www.excelahealth.org/services/cancer-care
PA Medicaid application-https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/Medical-Assistance.aspx
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.