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CBD & Breast Cancer
“According to a study by the American Association for Cancer Research conducted in 2011, it was found that CBD inhibited the survival of estrogen receptor-positive and estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer cell lines, causing breast cancer cell death…”
Cannabidiol (CBD) has been touted for its health benefits in recent years, one of which is helping to manage symptoms and side effects of different types of cancer. In this article we will explore the use of CBD for breast cancer patients, as it is one of the leading types of cancer in the U.S. and the world.
In fact, according to Breastcancer.org, 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. This is why it’s important to be informed about the different tools available during breast cancer treatment, whether that be as a patient or a caregiver.
What Is Cannabidiol?
Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is a medical marijuana compound that does not contain THC. This means that it does not cause a high, unless combined with THC. Because of this, medicinal marijuana is now legal in many U.S. states.
CBD has been integrated into products of all varieties, from oils to lotions, and everything in between, in order to make it easy to use for consumers. One of the most common methods of consumption is CBD gummies.
Note: To test how cannabidiol affects you, you can try lab-tested CBD gummies. Before purchasing any type of CBD product, it is important to do your research to determine dosage recommendations, brand-reliability, and potential side effects you may experience.
Why Is CBD Used in Cancer Treatments?
CBD has become part of cancer treatment for many patients, including those with multiple myeloma, because of its medicinal qualities. Taking CBD in whatever form you prefer can make cancer patients more comfortable by reducing many of the symptoms and side effects of cancer treatments, including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Chemobrain
With the use of CBD, you may be able to make cancer treatment more comfortable.
There has also been optimistic finding in research for the actual treatment of cancer, which we will cover more in depth next.
Can CBD Be Used to Treat Breast Cancer?
Over the last decade, there have been a multitude of studies conducted to better understand how CBD affects breast cancer cells and whether it can be used to treat certain types of breast cancer.
According to a study by the American Association for Cancer Research conducted in 2011, it was found that CBD inhibited the survival of estrogen receptor-positive and estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer cell lines, causing breast cancer cell death. Based on these findings, it is believed that CBD can be used as an effective treatment for a variety of types of breast cancer.
In 2013, the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology performed a study that concluded that CBD can inhibit the growth and spread of breast cancer cells. The study also found that, while CBD destroyed cancer cells, it did not appear to affect the normal cells. This is an important takeaway because it means that it limits the damage to normal breast tissue while effectively preventing breast cancer growth and spreading. In addition to these findings, the study also presented that CBD may be effective in improving the efficacy of chemo drugs.
In 2019, the International Journal of Molecular Sciences conducted a study that further confirmed the findings of these previous studies. They also highlighted the fact that CBD may be effective in treating both earlier and advanced stages of breast cancer.
While this research is promising, there is still a lot that needs to be analyzed, tested, and explored about the effects of CBD and breast cancer treatment. That isn’t to say it’s not a viable option, but there is not necessarily a definitive agreement amongst all medical professionals and researchers.
Should You Use CBD as Part of Your Breast Cancer Treatment?
The decision to use CBD as part of your breast cancer treatment is a personal one. This information has been presented to help you make an educated decision based on your own takeaways and comfort level. As a caregiver overseeing the cancer patient, you should be aware of the dosages and recommendations for using CBD and pay close attention to how it affects the patient.
If you do choose to try CBD as part of your breast cancer treatment, it is recommended that you speak with your doctor first. While CBD is considered generally safe, there have been some side effects reported, such as an increase in liver enzymes.
That said, CBD can help improve your situation and is a valid consideration as part of breast cancer treatment.