According to The American Cancer Society’s Global Cancer Facts and Figures 2018, there were 7 million new cases of cancer and 9.5million deaths due to cancer. These numbers are expected increase to 27.5M new cancer diagnoses, and 16.3 Million cancer deaths worldwide by 2040.
These projections do little to account for the increasing and aging population. These numbers could be even larger due to higher cancer risk factors like smoking, obesity, and sedentary living in economically developing countries.
This is a major burden on our healthcare system. In the United States alone, there are more than 1.7million new cases of breast cancer each year. Accordingly, the 2015 direct medical costs relating to cancer were $80.2 billion.
Not only is it a huge financial burden, but the disease can also take a great deal of toll on patients and their families. The fight to overcome cancer can be emotionally and physically exhausting.
Researchers in cancer research continue to search for new ways of reducing these effects. CBD is one promising solution. Non-psychoactive compounds found in cannabis such as CBD appear to provide a range of benefits to cancer patients. Studies confirm CBD lowers pain, anxiety and treatment-induced nausea. Early research has suggested that CBD may cause or contribute in neoplastic-cell death. This is why many are looking at CBD as an possible anticancer drug. Although more research is required, many people suffering from cancer are using CBD oil to manage their symptoms and improve the quality of life.
Cancer: An Overview
Cancer is a general term that can cover a vast array of related diseases. All cancers result from an identical process. In other words, a group cell divides uncontrollably. The cells spread to nearby healthy cells. This can occur in any area of the body.
Despite the fact that our bodies are composed of trillions and trillions cells, we can still tightly control every cell’s development, birth, and death. Cancer eliminates the checks & balances that typically control cell proliferation.
Cancerous cells will continue growing and divisively while disregarding warning signs from their surroundings to hinder and stop. The cancer cells left unchecked can grow in nearby areas, causing severe damage to healthy tissues.
What Causes Cancer
Cancer could be a form of genetic disease. This implies that genetic mutations are responsible for the disease. These mutations in cancer are usually found within the genes responsible for controlling how our cells grow, divide, and divide. Cancer often requires more than one mutation. Each cancer case has its own unique set of genetic variations.
These mutations can be passed to our children from our parents. Or, they can develop from the exposure to dangerous environmental substances. Here are some common risk factors for cancer that could increase your chance of developing it:
- Age
- Alcohol use
- Tobacco use
- Exposure to cancer-causing compounds
- Diet
- Chronic inflammation
- Obesity
- Radiation
- Excessive Sunlight Exposure
Although your risk of developing a cancerous condition increases with age and other factors, you can minimize your chances of developing it by avoiding them.
Treatment options
The type and stage of cancer will influence the treatment. Most people will only be offered one type. These are some of the treatment options.
Surgery The procedure involves the surgeon removing cancerous cells. While surgeons are able to remove the entire tumour, sometimes removing only a small portion can alleviate pain and increase the effectiveness of other treatments.
Cancer treatment: This procedure uses powerful medication to kill cancer cells.
Radiation: Radiation is a radiotherapy treatment that uses high levels radiation to destroy or kill cancer cells.
Injectotherapy: This is a way to spice up your body so that it can fight cancer more effectively.
Modern medical research has significantly improved the effectiveness and safety of cancer treatments. But, side effects can still be unpleasant, sometimes very severe, with many treatment options. A long list of unwanted side effects can be caused by chemotherapy, such as mood changes and nausea.
CBD Vs. THC
It is possible that you are wondering if CBD has the same properties as THC. THC is another cannabinoid derived from cannabis. THC is a well-known cannabinoid in medical marijuana. It is used to treat side effects and prevent future cancers.
Medical marijuana has provided relief for many people with cancer. The FDA has not yet approved medical marijuana for treating cancer. Despite legalization in some areas, doctors still recommend medical pot to treat side effects.
Unfortunately, not enough research has been done on THC and medical pot. Medical marijuana is effective for treating anorexia. It can also be used to treat nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. It’s the only antiemetic drug (a drug that prevents nausea from vomiting) that works in a small percentage of patients. It is also the most effective antiemetic for appetite.