Medicinal Cannabis Helps Alleviate Pain in Cancer Patients

By Sechat editorial team

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Pain is one of the main complaints of people undergoing cancer treatment. In addition to pain, oncology patients also face other side effects such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, anxiety, and depression. According to experts, medicinal cannabis can act symptomatically, providing relief for these symptoms.

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In combating the side effects of cancer treatment, cannabis therapy has proven to be a promising combination. The increasing search for alternatives to alleviate symptoms arising from chemotherapy and radiotherapy has led more and more oncology patients to consider the use of medicinal cannabis.

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According to Dr. Amanda Medeiros, cannabis has been shown to be effective in the symptomatic treatment of cancer patients, providing significant improvements in their quality of life. "It can bring analgesia, which is pain relief, and also functions as an antiemetic, as it improves nausea, especially after chemotherapy. Additionally, it helps with sleep and works as an ally in muscle relaxation," highlights the specialist.

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In addition to symptomatic relief, there is evidence that medicinal cannabis has anticancer potential. Several studies have shown that CBD, one of the compounds present in the plant, is capable of reducing the growth of lung and prostate tumors, inducing the death of cancer cells in the colon, lung, and brain, as well as reducing breast cancer metastasis.

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The benefits of medicinal cannabis are related to its effect on the body's endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoid receptors present in the body, when activated, act to interrupt pain conduction and the instinctiveness of inflammatory substances, providing an anxiety effect.

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INCA estimates 704 thousand cancer cases per year in Brazil by 2025; with emphasis on the South and Southeast regions, which account for about 70% of the incidence.

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Oncology patient Giselle Goldoni Tiso shares her experience with treatment using medicinal cannabis. She was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2019 and has since faced the disease and the side effects of treatment. "I had a lot of pain caused by the side effects of oncology treatment, especially in the muscles and joints. I tried various anti-inflammatories and alternative medications, but the pain persisted," she says.

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After starting treatment with cannabis, she reports a significant change in her quality of life. "In the first week, with a minimal dosage, I almost had no more pain," she states.

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Dr. Amanda emphasizes that the dosages of medicinal cannabis and the results vary from patient to patient. "From the third week, we can already observe significant improvements in symptoms. Although we cannot promise a cure, we can improve the patient's quality of life during treatment, making this period as peaceful as possible and allowing them to live normally," she explains.

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To start treatment with medicinal cannabis, it is important to seek evaluation and prescription from a qualified professional. As it is a complementary therapy, monitoring should be carried out in parallel with conventional oncological treatment.

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With the increasing search for alternatives that provide relief from symptoms and improve the quality of life of oncology patients, medicinal cannabis has proven to be a promising option. Studies on its therapeutic potential continue to advance, bringing hope to those facing the difficult journey of cancer.