CBD Cannabidiol has been the talk of the town when it comes to its medical benefits even in cancer treatment. CBD is a compound that comes from Marijuana and Hemp plants. Hemp is the most common source of CBD due to a low THC composition as compared to Marijuana. This is a comparatively newer concept but still has trusted research in favour of its health benefits. One of these benefits is its effects on cancer. This article is focused on ways in which CBD in its various forms can help with Breast Cancer.
What is Breast Cancer, and how can I self diagnose?
Breast cancer, as the name suggests, is cancer that forms in the breast region. This type of cancer almost entirely occurs in women but can even men can get it. The good part is that it is relatively easy to diagnose. You need to be aware of changes in your breast and symptoms of cancer. The most common symptom is the formation of an extra mass or lump. Other symptoms include swelling, dimpling of the skin, pain across breast or nipple, and nipple discharge. It is essential to have regular screening tests.
How can CBD Cannabidiol help in Breast Cancer?
Most people are not aware of the benefits of CBD, which is why they go for traditional ways for cancer treatment like surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and target therapy. These treatments have shown results but also come with a lot of side effects. This is why, in this article, we will look at how CBD Cannabidiols can be beneficial in breast cancer.
1. Inhibits the Id-1 Gene
It is a known fact that the primary function of the Id-1 gene is cell differentiation. But, in recent studies like one done by the Cancer Biology group from the University of Hong Kong, this gene has been linked with inducing cancer cell growth. The primary cause of death in patients with cancer is metastasis, i.e. spreading of cancerous cells from origin to other parts of the body like lungs and brain.
The most important study on this topic conducted by the California Pacific Medical Centre clearly shows that CBD can help inhibit the Id-1 gene. The report says that CBD has antimetastatic properties which control the Id-1 gene. It inhibits the migration of breast cancer cells and cell proliferation. This helps in making the pain more bearable.
2. Reduces Neuropathic Pain
This pain is a result of chemotherapy. In chemo, a heavy dose of medicine is introduced in the body via veins. This damages nerves of hands and legs in some people, causing numbness and tingling sensations and affecting the ability to move. The damage is called neuropathy.
A study conducted by the University of Georgia has shown that CBD has pain-relieving properties and can be helpful in treating neuropathic pain. The regular and systematic use of CBD oils and other products with CBD as an ingredient can help subdue prolonged neuropathic pain.
3. Osteoporosis
This is another after effect of breast cancer. Patients suffering from breast cancer have higher chances of osteoporosis, i.e. a decrease in bone mineral density. Cancer is not a cause of this but the treatment that patients go through. The most common treatment for breast cancer includes endocrine treatment and chemotherapy, both of which adversely affect the bone density of the patients. These patients also see a drop in their oestrogen levels, and treatment can also bring early menopause. All these contribute to the patient being prone to osteoporosis. Which is why breast cancer patients under treatment are regularly asked to go through bone density tests.
This is where CBD comes in. Studies like one conducted by the University of Edinburgh suggests that the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) has a crucial role in bone metabolism. CBD based products like CBD Oils stimulate CB1 and CB2 receptors which induce bone growth. Therefore, a continuous dosage of CBD can help ion recovering bone density and fight osteoporosis.
4. Reduces nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are other results of chemotherapy. During therapy, several drugs are introduced in the body, which are then classified as external bodies by the brain. This warns the digestive system and sends out chemicals that make the patient uneasy leading to nausea. Repeated puking may result in reduced electrolyte levels, weakness and dehydration in the patients. Studies show that CBD has excellent antiemetic properties to control these symptoms by manipulating the ECS. CBD and other cannabidiols have been approved by the FDA in treating these symptoms.
5. Heart Health
When patients undergo treatment for cancer, heart problems start appearing. This is due to damaged heart muscles by exposure to radiations and chemotherapy. The treatment also leads to other issues like blood clots, high blood pressure, and even heart failure. This is why doctors strictly monitor and control the doses of therapy which slows down the process of treatment.
CBD equipped with its anti-inflammatory properties can be beneficial for your circulatory system, especially your heart. Also, CBD’s potent antioxidant properties help maintain a healthy heart and reduce stress. Another study by the Oxford Biomedical Research Centre points out CBD’s effect on controlling high blood pressure. Therefore overall CBD acts as a protective agent against heart problems during therapy.
Conclusion
To answer the question, yes, CBD products can be used during Breast Cancer as it helps the patients in numerous ways. Although if you or any of your friend/relative is suffering from breast cancer, then you must first consult your doctor. The above advantages are backed by studies which makes it safe for the patients to consume CBD.