From Pain to Relief: When Cannabis Becomes an Ally in Cancer Treatment

Without a doubt, a cancer diagnosis hits anyone's life like a hurricane. The news was no different for social worker Daiany Dias, 36, who went through breast cancer at 32, amidst the pandemic (Covid-19), a period already marked by fear and uncertainties. 

Traditional treatment brought severe challenges, but it was in medicinal cannabis that she found unexpected relief. "I was already going through the isolation of the pandemic, so there were many moments when I felt afraid of dying, and during that time, I was alone with my partner who was indispensable in this fight, we clung to spirituality and believed in the strength that cannabis gave us," says Daiany, who underwent 7 sessions of chemotherapy, 15 of radiotherapy, and two surgeries all through the SUS (Unified Health System).

Her experience reflects the reality of many oncology patients who seek alternatives to mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, insomnia, and emotional fluctuations like depression, deep sadness, and melancholy.

"During the chemo sessions, I really thought I was going to die because it's a very strong sensation, it feels like your heart is going to stop. In the following days, I had vomiting, discomfort, sweated a lot, a horrible feeling. And then the cannabis helped me with that, to overcome this post-chemotherapy," detailed the social worker, who took high doses of THC to sleep better.

In addition, Daiany stated that cannabis also helped her deal with the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, a tingling in the hands typical of chemotherapy.

Cannabis as Support: Much Study Still Ahead

However, the traditional medicine view on cannabis use still sparks debates. Anesthesiologist Daniele Tondolo, a pain specialist, points out that despite advances in understanding the therapeutic effects of the plant, its use still needs more studies and regulation. "Cannabis has its therapeutic potential, but it cannot be seen as a panacea. We need more robust research to understand its real benefits and side effects," warns the doctor.

Daiany's cancer treatment also developed depression, which she could not bear. "I did not recognize myself in the mirror and had a very severe psychotic crisis," said Daiany, who currently undergoes treatment with a psychologist and advocates for medicinal cannabis accessible to all.

Cannabis vs. Cancer: Quality of Life During Treatment

Despite disagreements, the medicinal use of cannabis is gaining more and more space and recognition, especially as an adjuvant in cancer treatment. "What we are sure of is that the patient's quality of life should be a priority. If cannabis aids in this process, we should consider its inclusion in medical protocols with responsibility and scientific basis," emphasizes Daniele Tondolo.

As the debate progresses in the scientific community, stories like Daiany's show that hope can also be found in the leaves of an ancient plant, whose potential is still being discovered by modern medicine, but for her, the power of "healing" transcends matter. "Santa Maria (cannabis) represents feminine power to me, care, comfort like the embrace of a woman, mother, so I went beyond the plant's medicinal representation, it has ancestral properties that I clung to face the challenges that cancer gave me," she concludes.

Doctor explains the effects of cannabis to control cancer symptom effects. Watch the video: