Cancer is one the leading causes of death in Australia, with approximately 150,000 Australians diagnosed with the illness each year (Cancer Australia), and about a third dying from it. In Australia, experts predict a one in seven chance of cancer-related deaths for individuals aged 85 and older.

As deadly as cancer may be, it is also unfortunately quite common. Cancer makes up 15% of all health conditions experienced by Australians (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare), and to date, there is no concrete cure for the health condition. Medical advancements have targetted the alleviation, management and eradication of symptoms, with modern treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and surgery.

Another emerging care option for cancer victims in medicinal cannabis. Although research surrounding the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis on treating cancer is limited, some medical professionals believe that it may help with the management of cancer-related symptoms.

Keep reading to learn more about cancer and the viable treatment options available in today’s medical environment.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. It is generally a result of the abnormal growth of cells in the body that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body.

There are more than 100 types of cancer, including breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma. However, all vary in severity and outlook.

Here’s a breakdown of a few of the most common cancers experienced by Australians:

• Breast cancer: Breast cancer is cancer that occurs in the breasts, and is the most common cancer in Australian women
• Lung cancer: Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer that occurs in the lungs, and is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women
• Skin cancer: Skin cancer is cancer that occurs in the skin, and is a big problem in Australia due to the high amount of UV radiation exposure
• Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate, and is the most common type of cancer in Australian men
• Lymphoma: Lymphoma is cancer that starts in the lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. It is the fifth most common type of cancer in Australia
• Colorectal cancer: Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum, and is the third most common type of cancer in Australia

Cancer is also divided into types. The five main types of cancer are:

1. Carcinoma: This type of cancer arises from the cells that line different organs, such as the lungs, breast, colon, and pancreas. The most common type of carcinoma is non-melanoma skin cancer
2. Sarcoma: This type of cancer arises from the connective tissues, such as bone, cartilage, fat, or muscle. The most common type of sarcoma is leiomyosarcoma (cancer of smooth muscle tissue)
3. Leukemia: This type of cancer begins in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow. The most common type of leukemia is acute lymphocytic leukemia
4. Carcinoma in situ: This type of cancer is characterized by abnormal cells that are confined to the place where they first developed. The most common type of carcinoma in situ is breast cancer
5. Melanoma: This type of cancer begins in the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and can be deadly if not caught early

There are also many other less common types of cancer, some which may involve the central nervous system. Treatments vary for different types of cancer but can include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

What are the Causes of Cancer?

The exact cause of cancer is not known, but it is thought to be a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Some lifestyle choices, such as smoking cigarettes or using tanning beds, can increase your risk of developing cancer. Other risk factors include age, family history, certain medical conditions, and certain viruses or bacteria.

Scientific research on the causes of cancer is ongoing, as doctors and scientists work to better understand how cancer develops and its stages. Cancer is often divided into stages so that doctors can better diagnose and recommend treatment solutions. Stages are ordered from least to most advanced.

Cancer is usually diagnosed after a person has symptoms that warrant further investigation. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist for tests, which can include imaging tests (e.g. X-rays, CT scans) and biopsies (tissue samples). Once cancer is diagnosed, your doctor will stage the cancer to determine how far it has spread and what treatment options are available.

What are the Symptoms of Cancer?

Cancer symptoms can vary depending on the type of cancer and how far it has spread in the body.

However, some general symptoms of cancer include:

• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Pain
• Fever
• Skin changes
• Lumps or masses

Symptoms may also differ depending on the location of the cancer in the body. For example, lung cancer may cause coughing or shortness of breath, while ovarian cancer may cause abdominal pain or bloating.

What are Treatments for Cancer?

The type of treatment a person with cancer receives will depend on the type of cancer and how far it has spread.

Some common treatments for cancer include:

• Surgery: Surgery is a common treatment for cancer, especially if the cancer is localized (has not spread). The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tissue from the body
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to kill cancer cells
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Patients receiving cancer chemotherapy may be given drugs intravenously (through an IV) or in pill form
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that boosts the body’s immune system to help fight cancer
• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that targets specific genes or proteins in cancer cells. This type of therapy is often less harmful to healthy cells than other types of cancer treatment
• Clinical trials: Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments in people. A clinical trial may be an option if a patient’s cancer has not responded to other treatments

Cancer treatments may also be used in combination to provide the most effective results. For example, surgery may be combined with radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Clinical trials are ongoing to explore new combinations of cancer treatments on the human body (at times, even a placebo controlled clinical trial).

However, cancer treatment often has side effects. The type and severity of side effects depend on the type of cancer, the stage of cancer, the type of treatment, and other factors. Cancer patients should discuss side effects with their doctor or care team before starting any treatment.

Some possible side effects of cancer treatment include:

• Fatigue
• Pain (e.g. intractable cancer related pain)
• Nausea and vomiting (especially chemotherapy induced nausea)
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss or gain
• Hair loss
• Skin changes

Medicinal Cannabis and Cancer

Medicinal cannabis is a therapy that uses the whole, unprocessed cannabis plant (cannabis sativa) or its basic extracts to treat a disease or symptom. The cannabis plant contains more than 100 different chemicals called cannabinoids. Each one has a different effect on the body.

The two best-known cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is the cannabinoid that makes people feel “high” or “stoned.” It also has some medicinal effects. CBD does not make people feel high but also may have medicinal effects. It is usually an orally administered cannabis extract.

Cannabinoids work by binding to receptors in the brain and body. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is involved in a variety of bodily processes, including pain, appetite, mood, and memory. It may also play an important role in cancer cell growth.

When it comes to medicinal cannabis and cancer, there is limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis to treat cancer. However, medical professionals are still considering it as an option, due to the known effects of medicinal cannabis on other health conditions when treating patients and its ability to relieve symptoms.

Research on medical cannabis for cancer is currently focused on the plant’s ability to relieve the symptoms of cancer and its potential to kill cancer cells. The prescription of medicinal cannabis is tightly regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

FAQs - Medicinal Cannabinoids for Cancer

Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions concerning legal medicinal cannabis products and how they may care for cancer.

Is medicinal cannabis legal in Australia?

Yes, medicinal cannabis has been legalised for therapeutic use in Australia. However, it remains a complex and heavily regulated area with different state and territory laws. In order to access medicinal cannabis products, patients must first obtain a valid prescription from a medical practitioner authorised to prescribe such products

How can you obtain medicinal cannabis in Australia?

The main way to obtain medicinal cannabis in Australia is with an authorised medical practitioner. A medical practitioner will need to apply with the TGA to become an authorised prescriber of medicinal cannabis products. Once approved, they can write a prescription for a patient which can be used to obtain the product from an authorised pharmacy.

The medicinal cannabis industry is tightly regulated in Australia, and there are only a few products that have been approved for use.

There’s a small number of clinical trials underway in Australia testing the efficacy of medicinal cannabis in treating other conditions such as cancer, chronic pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, more research is needed before these products can be made widely available.