The effectiveness of cannabis in health care remains an ongoing discussion, with numerous studies underway to test how it interacts with side effects and disease management. It’s seen many positive uses in cancer treatment, both for managing the side effects of chemotherapy and the actual disease. While you should never self-prescribe, it’s something worth discussing with your oncologist.

How Does Cannabis Help With Chemotherapy?

As helpful as chemotherapy is, it can be a grueling cancer treatment to endure. The side effects affect everyone differently, but some of the most common are fatigue, nausea and vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, weight fluctuations, hair loss, and mood changes. In many cases, these go away after treatment, though they can last for months or years in some patients. To help better manage these side effects, cannabis has been used. Many patients claim it helps them better manage nausea and insomnia, as well as improve their mood. While there has been no definitive evidence in the medical community proving the long-term advantages of cannabis use, you can discuss the option with your oncology team.

How Does Cannabis Help With Cancer Side Effects?

Cancer side effects vary on the type of cancer, but overall, they can be debilitating. Some patients are in constant pain, while others may experience nerve damage. Nausea and vomiting are also common, as well as loss of appetite. Cannabis has also been used in these instances similar to with chemotherapy. It may increase appetite and have a similar pain-killing effect as opioids. Again, you need to explore all cancer treatment options with your oncologist first before taking cannabis in any form.

The team at Alaska Oncology and Hematology, LLC in Anchorage understand that cancer can be a painful battle for patients, which is why they take every measure to ensure they’re comfortable throughout cancer treatment. Their world-class oncology team will work with you every step of the way while developing a personalized treatment plan, and they pride themselves on listening to their patients’ feedback. Call (907) 279-3155 today to schedule an appointment, and visit them online to explore their clinic further.