Cancer treatment can be intense and often comes with unpleasant side effects. However, medical marijuana can help manage some of the worst symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. CBD treatment has also been shown to alleviate a wide array of side effects of cancer treatment. If you’re interested in how medical cannabis could help you, call the office of Matthew Mintz, MD, LLC, in Bethesda, Maryland, today or book an appointment online with the scheduling tool.

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What are the side effects of cancer treatment?

There are many effective treatments for cancer, and the side effects you experience will differ depending on the type of cancer you have, the severity and spread of the cancer, the type of treatment you’re undergoing, and a variety of other health factors.

The most common forms of cancer treatment include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. While both have been shown effective in treating cancers, both can cause a wide array of unpleasant or even debilitating side effects. Some side effects include:

  • Anemia
  • Appetite loss
  • Constipation
  • Delirium
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Hair loss
  • Lymphedema
  • Memory or concentration problems
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Nerve damage
  • Organ inflammation
  • Pain
  • Skin and nail changes
  • Sleep and insomnia
  • Urinary or bladder problems

Depending on the type of cancer and type of treatment, you may experience some or all of these symptoms.

How can medical cannabis help people undergoing cancer treatment?

Medical cannabis can’t treat all the side effects of cancer treatment, but it is a great option for managing some of the most unpleasant side effects and improving your overall quality of life.

One of the most helpful aspects of medical marijuana is the stimulation of appetite. Many people with cancer find it difficult to eat enough to maintain their strength, especially if they’re experiencing severe nausea or vomiting. Cannabis can alleviate nausea and stimulate the appetite enough to help encourage a healthy caloric intake.

Cannabis is also helpful in promoting restful sleep and can help reduce pain and inflammation, making it easier to get the rest you need to fight cancer. It can also help reduce the anxiety and depression that many people with cancer face and greatly increase your quality of life.

What kind of medical cannabis is best for treating cancer?

Both of the main chemical components of medical cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can be helpful in treating the side effects of cancer treatment. However, products containing THC are often more helpful in treating the most severe symptoms, including nausea, insomnia, chronic pain, and loss of appetite.

If you’re unsure about what kind of medical cannabis will be most helpful for you, talk to Dr. Mintz about your treatment plan and the side effects you’re experiencing.

For more information on medical cannabis and how it can help you in your fight with cancer, call the office of Matthew Mintz, MD, LLC, today or make an appointment using the online scheduling tool.