Some Facts About Breast Cancer

Cancer affects approximately 1.9 million individuals in America. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign to bring attention to the 1 in 8 women that will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Cancer begins as a mutation of genes in the cells of the body forming tumors or affecting organs. Usually breast cancer begins in the cells of the milk-producing glands of the breast or the ducts that drain milk to the nipple. Less commonly, breast cancer will begin in the fatty tissues of the breast. Over time cancer cells invade other healthy cells and can spread the cancer to the lymphatic system and beyond.

Breast Cancer Awareness is about being vigilant when it comes to monitoring for cancer. Breast cancer can have a variety of signs and symptoms (or none at all) but the largest indicator of something being wrong is a lump. Typically found on the breast or near the under arm these lumps can be benign or malignant. Lumps that are irregular, firm, and painful are indicators that it is time to see a specialist.

Other signs could be swelling of the breast, skin irritation, nipple pain or turning inward, redness, thickening of the skin, nipple discharge that is not breast milk, and scaliness. Taking care to do self exams routinely can help to identify any changes as they occur. Check with your OB/GYN or Primary Care doctor to ensure you are up to date on mammograms as well. These are a powerful diagnostic tool that can be used to detect breast cancer early.

An Alternative to Chemotherapy

Cancer is considered one of Florida’s qualifying conditions to receive a medical marijuana card. It is no wonder why, as those who have to deal with cancer go through physical pain, mental stress, and side effects from treatment and the cancer. Chemotherapy can be harsh on the body and cause a multitude of side effects that include nausea, vomiting, pain, insomnia, anxiety, and so on. Cancer patients tend to go higher on their opioid medications or add in new medications to help ease the side effects. Increasing and adding medication can cause more side effects to pile up. However, for some Americans, cannabis helps treat their cancer symptoms.

Cannabis is a natural remedy to some of the most common ailments in life. Patients can find relief from nausea and vomiting and get their appetite back. For those that struggle to go to sleep and stay asleep due to their pain, cannabis products like tinctures or edibles help them survive the night.

Marijuana for breast cancer can help aid a multitude of symptoms. It is important to be transparent with your oncology team about your cannabis use. While it may improve some symptoms, medications, chemotherapy, and other treatment options are also important to utilize. Cannabis has not been proven to treat cancer, though many patients use it in conjunction with their current treatment plan.

If you would like to begin using marijuana for breast cancer but are unsure where to start, call to speak to one of our Marijuana Specialists or make an appointment.