Breast Cancer Awareness
Written Heather Zuzo, RPh
Edited by Markitaa Wilburn, PharmD
The month of October has been designated Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Pink Ribbon Pin is dedicated to advancing research toward a cure and is the most visible way to honor and support breast cancer awareness. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, with one in every eight women being diagnosed within their lifetime.
Cancer, by definition, is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and the spread of abnormal cells. This means cancer develops when cells made incorrectly begin to multiply uncontrollably and cause harm to the body. Generally, cancer starts in one area of the body; however, in some cases, metastasis occurs when these abnormal cells spread to other areas. Once cancer begins to metastasize, the individual's survival rate could potentially decrease at this point. This is why it is so crucial for women to perform monthly breast self-exams and commit to yearly mammograms. The survival rate is 99% in women who catch their breast cancer early through one of these early detection methods.
In Pennsylvania, a cancer diagnosis is a qualifying condition for medical marijuana consumption as an alternative form of treatment. Maitri and its team of medical professionals are proud to support the use of medical marijuana for managing various symptoms of this disease.
MARIJUANA, CANCER, AND THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM
Preclinical data shows that activation of receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) by cannabinoids such as THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol))and CBD (Cannabidiol) may cause anti-tumor effects by triggering cell death (apoptosis), preventing cell growth and division, preventing the development of blood vessels that feed tumors (antiangiogenic) and preventing cancer cells from traveling to other areas of the body (metastasis).
CANNABINOIDS with Potential Anti-Cancer properties include:
CBG (Cannabigerol)
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)
CBDA (Cannabidiolic acid)
TERPENES with Potential Anti-Cancer properties include:
B-Caryophyllene
Humulene
Limonene
Myrcene
POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA AND CANCER
Medical marijuana (MMJ) can be initiated for both the chemotherapy-induced side effects and potentially the cause of cancer. It can help patients manage pain, inflammation, nausea, and increased appetite. Some patients report better quality of sleep, reduced anxiety, and decreased neuropathic pain after chemotherapy.
Preclinical data suggests that 1:1 THC: CBD products are the most beneficial in all types of breast cancer, regardless of hormone sensitivity. Products with this ratio have shown the most promise in providing therapeutic relief with little mental elevation or altered mental state.
PHARMACIST WITH CANCER
I was a Medical Marijuana Pharmacist before being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. Aware of the benefits, I used various MMJ products throughout chemo treatments. These products were effective, though I found my favorite daytime strains to contain terpinolene, which helped to keep me focused and fight fatigue. For nighttime, I preferred higher concentrations of myrcene for its relaxation and sedative effects. On days when anxiety was high, which was often, I supplemented with strains containing CBD. CBD does not cause psychoactive effects, which makes it perfect for dosing with THC products for an overall calmer physical and mental state.
There is not a "one size fits all" for marijuana. This personalized medication regimen may be altered to accommodate individual goals and symptom control. Suppose you are looking for more information about how to include medical marijuana in your treatment plan. In that case, we welcome contacting us for a private consultation with a Maitri pharmacist.
LIVING BEYOND BREAST CANCER: GETTING THE CARE YOU NEED AS A LGBTQIA+
Studies show that LGBTQIA+ people who came out to their care teams did not feel discriminated against and felt respected and safe during treatment. But coming out can be challenging for some, as it depends on the comfort and trust you may have with your doctors, where you live, and how worried you are about breast cancer treatment.
The first in LBBC's Breast Cancer inFocus series, this short guide will help you decide whether you should come out to your care team and give tips on discussing your orientation or gender identity with healthcare professionals. It offers personal stories of others who have dealt with coming out while coping with a breast cancer diagnosis and advice on determining if your treatment center is accepting.
The guide was written with guidance from a team of healthcare professionals, advocates, and LGBTQI+ people impacted by breast cancer. Further online content is available on lbbc.org/audiences/lgbt.
Please encourage them to take action today and schedule their annual mammogram!
Below is a list of resources for breast cancer screening and prevention services, and some studies and tips for uninsured, underinsured and LGBTQIA+ members of our community:
FREEMAMMOGRAMS.COM
Check out this list of Pittsburgh clinics that provide free or low-cost mammograms for underinsured or uninsured people.
NATIONAL BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER EARLY DETECTION PROGRAM
Provides access to clinical breast exams and mammograms (plus diagnostic testing if results are abnormal and referrals to treatment if breast cancer is diagnosed) to women ages 40-64 who don't have health insurance or are under-insured. www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/
BREAST HEALTH RESOURCES AND STUDIES FOR THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY
The National LGBTQIA+ Cancer Network works to improve the lives of LGBTQI+ cancer survivors and those at risk by:
EDUCATING the LGBTQI+ community about our increased cancer risks and the importance of screening and early detection;
TRAINING health care providers to offer more culturally competent, safe, and welcoming care; and
ADVOCATING for LGBT survivors in mainstream cancer organizations, the media, and research.
REFERENCES
U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. U.S. Cancer Statistics Data Visualizations Tool, based on 2022 submission data (1999-2020): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Cancer Institute; https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dataviz, released in June 2023.
National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/
Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.womenshealth.gov (updated May 15, 2023), Accessed at https://www.womenshealth.gov/node/1374#:~:text=%232%20%E2%80%93%20Cancer%20is%20the%20second,ages%2C%20races%2C%20and%20populations on October 10, 2023.
American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Breast Cancer. (updated September 14, 2023), Accessed at https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html#:~:text=Overall%2C%20the%20average%20risk%20of,will%20never%20have%20the%20disease on October 10, 2023.
Leitenberger, Adam. Medical Cannabis. Updated October 12, 2023. https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/complementary-therapy/types/medical-cannabis