The American Cancer Society estimates that there are almost 107,000 new cases of colon cancer diagnosed in the United States every year. A slightly higher number of men (54,210) are diagnosed with colon cancer compared to women (52,380), annually.
The overall risk of developing colorectal cancer is 1 in 23 for men and approximately 1 in 25 for women. Men have a higher risk of developing rectal cancer (27,330 new cases per year) compared to women. Approximately 19,000 American women are diagnosed with rectal cancer annually.
There have been many medical advances in treating cancer patients, including modalities that surgically remove cancerous tissues and chemotherapy to reduce (and often eradicate) cancer cells. The colorectal five-year survival rate is over 80%, thanks to new methods of treating cancer.
Patients diagnosed with colon cancer may experience a number of symptoms related to the condition and caused by side effects of cancer treatment. Can medical marijuana help patients manage some of the symptoms and provide relief?
What is Colon Cancer?
The colon is responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from food, while the rectum is the final part of the large intestine, where stool is stored before being eliminated.
When cancerous cells develop in the lining of the colon or rectum, they can grow uncontrollably and form tumors, which can eventually spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. The exact cause of colon cancer is not always clear, but several risk factors can increase a person’s likelihood of developing this type of cancer.
Understanding the Risk Factors for Colon Cancer
When you are over the age of forty, your primary care provider may ask you to do a preliminary colonoscopy or other test to check if you have any early signs or risks of developing colorectal cancer.
The first colonoscopy you receive is likely covered by your health insurance plan and available at no cost for patients annually if no polyps are discovered. Preventative wellness checks can help reduce your risks. However, once polyps are discovered, the procedure becomes diagnostic and it is no longer covered by most health insurance plans.
Some of the known risk factors for colon cancer include:
- Being over the age of fifty (50) years.
- A family history of colon cancer or polyps.
- A family history of other inflammatory bowel diseases (including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis).
- A diet lacking in sufficient quantities of fruits and vegetables.
- Consumption of large quantities of processed meats and foods.
- Tobacco use.
- Obesity.
- Heavy alcohol consumption.
Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing colon cancer effectively. There are many different types of screening tests, such as colonoscopies, that can detect precancerous growths (polyps) or early-stage colon cancer when it’s most treatable.
How is Colon Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosing colon cancer typically involves a series of tests and procedures aimed at detecting the presence of cancerous cells or abnormalities in the colon or rectum. The process usually begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination by a healthcare professional. If there are symptoms suggestive of colon cancer or if there are risk factors present, further diagnostic tests may be recommended.
Symptoms of colon cancer may include diarrhea or constipation, blood in the stool, abdominal discomfort or pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Some patients experience symptoms of feeling like the bowel doesn’t empty completely after going to the bathroom. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to see a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate management.
Preventative Testing Using a Colonoscopy
One of the most common tests used to diagnose colon cancer is a colonoscopy. This is an outpatient procedure, and the patient is provided with mild sedation so that they are asleep when the scope is completed.
A camera is attached to a flexible tube that is inserted. The video scope provides a complete picture of all tissues inside the colorectal areas. If abnormal tissue is found, such as polyps, they are removed, and a biopsy may be taken for further analysis to determine if cancerous cells are present.
Sigmoidoscopy Testing
Another test commonly used for colon cancer screening is a sigmoidoscopy. Similar to a colonoscopy, a sigmoidoscope is inserted into the rectum to examine the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) for abnormalities. While a sigmoidoscopy can detect some polyps and cancers, it does not provide a complete view of the entire colon like a colonoscopy does.
Other tests that may be used to diagnose colon cancer include virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography), which uses a CT scan to create detailed images of the colon and rectum, and double-contrast barium enema, which involves filling the colon with barium contrast material and taking X-ray images. These tests can help detect abnormalities in the colon.
Testing Stool Samples for Colorectal Cancer Cells
Additionally, stool tests such as fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) may be used to detect blood in the stool, which can be a sign of colon cancer or other gastrointestinal conditions.
These tests are non-invasive and can be done at home, but they are primarily used for screening rather than diagnosing colon cancer definitively. If you are under the age of fifty years and you have a family history of colorectal cancer, an annual FOBT or FIT test may be recommended by your doctor.
Introduction to Colon Cancer Symptoms
Colon cancer symptoms can vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, such as stage 1 and stage 2, symptoms may be subtle or even absent. However, as the cancer progresses, symptoms become more noticeable.
Stage One Symptoms
In stage 1 colon cancer, when the tumor is still small and localized within the colon, patients may experience minimal or no symptoms at all. Some individuals may notice changes in bowel habits, such as occasional constipation or diarrhea, which they may attribute to dietary factors or temporary digestive issues. Others may experience mild abdominal discomfort or bloating, often dismissed as indigestion or gas.
Stage Two Colon Cancer Symptoms
As colon cancer advances to stage 2, symptoms may become more pronounced. Patients may notice persistent changes in bowel habits, including more frequent constipation or diarrhea. Some individuals may experience abdominal pain or cramping that doesn’t go away, along with bloating or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen.
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool may also occur, leading to concern and prompting medical evaluation. A reminder that everyone should be paying attention to their bowel movements, and if you detect blood, speak to a medical professional right away.
Increased Symptoms Associated With Stage Three Colon Cancer
In stage 3 colon cancer, the disease has typically spread to nearby lymph nodes, causing symptoms to become more severe. Patients may experience persistent abdominal pain or discomfort that worsens over time.
Bowel habits may continue to change with increased frequency and urgency. Rectal bleeding may become more noticeable and may be accompanied by fatigue, weakness, or unintended weight loss.
Stage Four Terminal Cancer
By stage 4, colon cancer has metastasized to distant organs, leading to a wider range of symptoms. Patients may experience severe abdominal pain or cramping, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Bowel habits may become extremely irregular, with alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea.
Rectal bleeding may be more persistent, sometimes leading to anemia and fatigue, as iron levels are impacted by blood loss. Additionally, symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), difficulty breathing, or swelling in the abdomen or legs may occur if the cancer has spread to the liver, lungs, or other organs.
Overall, it’s important to recognize that symptoms of colon cancer can vary widely from person to person, and some individuals may not experience any symptoms until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage.
What matters most is to pay attention to any changes in their bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, or other concerning symptoms and seek medical evaluation if necessary, especially if they have risk factors for colon cancer, such as a family history of the disease or advancing age.
Early detection and prompt treatment offer the best chance for successful outcomes in colon cancer management. The goal is to detect colon cancer early, while there are many effective treatment options available.
The Growing Interest in Cannabis as a Complementary Therapy
Patients with colon cancer and researchers alike are increasingly interested in exploring the potential benefits of medical cannabis for managing symptoms associated with the disease and its treatment. Cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), interact with the body and may help reduce feelings of stress, low energy or fatigue, and anxiety.
For individuals with colon cancer, medical cannabis holds promise in alleviating symptoms such as pain, nausea, and loss of appetite commonly experienced during cancer treatment. THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, has been shown to have analgesic properties, helping to reduce pain and discomfort.
Additionally, both THC and CBD have antiemetic effects, which can help mitigate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, improving patients’ quality of life.
Cannabinoids and Their Potential in Managing Colon Cancer Symptoms
Medical cannabis may offer potential benefits beyond symptom management for patients with colon cancer. Research suggests that cannabinoids may possess anti-cancer properties, with studies indicating that they could inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis (cell death) in certain types of tumors.
While more research is needed to fully understand the anti-cancer effects of cannabis and its potential role in treating colon cancer specifically, these findings have sparked interest in exploring cannabis-based therapies as adjunctive or alternative treatments for the disease.
Exploring the Mechanisms: How Cannabis Interacts with Colon Cancer Cells
Bioactive compounds found in cannabis, notably tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), exert effects through the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS, present throughout the body, regulates various physiological functions, including appetite, pain sensation, and immune response.
In the context of colon cancer, emerging research suggests that cannabinoids may exhibit anti-cancer properties through several mechanisms. THC, for instance, has been shown to inhibit cancer cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in colon cancer cells. Additionally, THC can interfere with the growth and spread of tumors by modulating signaling pathways involved in cell survival and metastasis.
On the other hand, CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, may exert its anti-cancer effects through different pathways, such as inhibiting angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels that support tumor growth) and reducing inflammation in the areas where cancerous tumors are located.
Cannabinoids have demonstrated the ability to enhance the effectiveness of conventional cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, while also mitigating their adverse side effects. By sensitizing cancer cells to treatment-induced apoptosis and reducing treatment-associated nausea and pain, cannabinoids hold promise for improving treatment outcomes and patient well-being.
However, further research is needed to determine the full extent of cannabis’ therapeutic potential in colon cancer management, including its long-term effects and optimal dosing strategies. As scientists continue to unravel the complexities of cannabis-cancer interactions, many patients are exploring doctor-supervised cannabis to improve symptom management.
Addressing Pain and Nausea With Medical Marijuana
Cannabis, long valued for its medicinal properties, is increasingly recognized for its potential to alleviate symptoms such as pain and nausea, particularly in cancer patients undergoing treatment. Pain and nausea are common side effects of cancer and its treatments, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life.
One of the primary mechanisms through which cannabis alleviates pain is by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a key role in regulating pain sens THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and peripheral nervous system, reducing the transmission of pain signals and modulating pain perception.
CBD, on the other hand, exerts analgesic effects through various mechanisms, including inhibiting inflammatory pathways and enhancing the activity of endogenous pain-relieving neurotransmitters.
Cannabis has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating chemotherapy-induced nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, which are among the most debilitating side effects of cancer treatment. THC activates cannabinoid receptors in the brainstem, triggering antiemetic effects and reducing the severity and frequency of nausea and vomiting. CBD may also play a role in mitigating nausea by modulating serotonin receptors and reducing the release of neurotransmitters that contribute to symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
Cannabis may offer advantages over conventional medications for pain and nausea management, as it often has fewer adverse effects and a lower risk of dependence or addiction. Additionally, cannabis can be administered in various forms, including inhalation, oral ingestion, and topical application, providing flexibility in dosing and administration routes to meet individual patient needs and preferences.
The Role of Cannabis in Appetite Stimulation
The role of cannabis in appetite stimulation is a topic of significant interest for individuals with conditions that affect appetite, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, or eating disorders. Cannabis is known to have potent appetite-stimulating effects, often referred to as “the munchies.” These effects arise from THC’s interaction with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, particularly the CB1 receptors located in the hypothalamus, which is involved in regulating hunger.
Research suggests that THC activates CB1 receptors in the hypothalamus, leading to the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and ghrelin, which stimulate appetite and enhance the rewarding properties of food. Cannabis consumption is often associated with increased food intake and cravings for high-calorie, flavorable foods. For individuals experiencing appetite loss due to medical conditions or treatments like chemotherapy, cannabis may offer relief by stimulating hunger and improving nutrient intake.
While THC’s appetite-enhancing effects can be beneficial for individuals with decreased appetite, excessive cannabis consumption may lead to unwanted consequences, such as weight gain, impaired glucose metabolism, or dependence. Healthcare providers and patients must carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks and then adjust treatment recommendations to the patient’s needs.
Managing Psychological Symptoms Such As Insomnia, Anxiety and Depression
Cannabis may play a role in managing psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression for patients with colon cancer through its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters found throughout the body, including the brain, that helps regulate various physiological processes, including mood and stress response.
When cannabis compounds like THC and CBD interact with the ECS, they can influence the release of neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation, such as serotonin and dopamine, or the body’s “feel good” hormones. For example, THC may produce a sense of relaxation and euphoria by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Cannabidiol (CBD) can modulate serotonin receptors and enhance the availability of serotonin, a neurotransmitter known for its mood-stabilizing effects.
A cancer diagnosis may cause emotional upset that can also disrupt healthy sleep. Colorectal cancer patients may find symptoms of nausea and pain also contribute to insomnia. Some types of medical cannabis can provide sedative effects that promote healthy, uninterrupted sleep.
Cannabis’ ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation may indirectly contribute to improved psychological well-being for patients with colon cancer. Chronic illness and cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally taxing, leading to increased stress and anxiety. By providing a sense of calm and tranquility, cannabis may help patients cope with the psychological challenges of their diagnosis.
Challenges and Considerations in Incorporating Cannabis into Colon Cancer Treatment Plans
Incorporating cannabis into colon cancer treatment plans presents several challenges and considerations. One significant challenge is the lack of standardized guidelines for cannabis use in cancer treatment. While cannabis shows promise in alleviating symptoms and potentially inhibiting cancer progression, the variability in cannabinoid composition, potency, and delivery methods makes it challenging to establish consistent dosing regimens and treatment protocols.
Another consideration is the potential interactions between cannabis and conventional cancer therapies. While cannabinoids may enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy or radiation therapy by sensitizing cancer cells to treatment-induced cell death, there is also the possibility of adverse interactions or interference with treatment outcomes. Healthcare providers must carefully monitor patients using cannabis alongside other treatments to ensure safety and efficacy while minimizing potential risks.
Cannabis holds great promise as a complementary therapy for managing symptoms and potentially impacting cancer progression in colon cancer patients.
The Role of Cannabis in Appetite Stimulation
The role of cannabis in appetite stimulation is a topic of significant interest for individuals with conditions that affect appetite, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, or eating disorders. Cannabis is known to have potent appetite-stimulating effects, often referred to as “the munchies.” These effects arise from THC’s interaction with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, particularly the CB1 receptors located in the hypothalamus, which is involved in regulating hunger.
Research suggests that THC activates CB1 receptors in the hypothalamus, leading to the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and ghrelin, which stimulate appetite and enhance the rewarding properties of food. Cannabis consumption is often associated with increased food intake and cravings for high-calorie, flavorable foods. For individuals experiencing appetite loss due to medical conditions or treatments like chemotherapy, cannabis may offer relief by stimulating hunger and improving nutrient intake.
While THC’s appetite-enhancing effects can be beneficial for individuals with decreased appetite, excessive cannabis consumption may lead to unwanted consequences, such as weight gain, impaired glucose metabolism, or dependence. Healthcare providers and patients must carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks and then adjust treatment recommendations to the patient’s needs.
Managing Psychological Symptoms Such As Insomnia, Anxiety and Depression
Cannabis may play a role in managing psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression for patients with colon cancer through its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters found throughout the body, including the brain, that helps regulate various physiological processes, including mood and stress response.
When cannabis compounds like THC and CBD interact with the ECS, they can influence the release of neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation, such as serotonin and dopamine, or the body’s “feel good” hormones. For example, THC may produce a sense of relaxation and euphoria by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Cannabidiol (CBD) can modulate serotonin receptors and enhance the availability of serotonin, a neurotransmitter known for its mood-stabilizing effects.
A cancer diagnosis may cause emotional upset that can also disrupt healthy sleep. Colorectal cancer patients may find symptoms of nausea and pain also contribute to insomnia. Some types of medical cannabis can provide sedative effects that promote healthy, uninterrupted sleep.
Cannabis’ ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation may indirectly contribute to improved psychological well-being for patients with colon cancer. Chronic illness and cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally taxing, leading to increased stress and anxiety. By providing a sense of calm and tranquility, cannabis may help patients cope with the psychological challenges of their diagnosis.
Challenges and Considerations in Incorporating Cannabis into Colon Cancer Treatment Plans
Incorporating cannabis into colon cancer treatment plans presents several challenges and considerations. One significant challenge is the lack of standardized guidelines for cannabis use in cancer treatment. While cannabis shows promise in alleviating symptoms and potentially inhibiting cancer progression, the variability in cannabinoid composition, potency, and delivery methods makes it challenging to establish consistent dosing regimens and treatment protocols.
Another consideration is the potential interactions between cannabis and conventional cancer therapies. While cannabinoids may enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy or radiation therapy by sensitizing cancer cells to treatment-induced cell death, there is also the possibility of adverse interactions or interference with treatment outcomes. Healthcare providers must carefully monitor patients using cannabis alongside other treatments to ensure safety and efficacy while minimizing potential risks.
Cannabis holds great promise as a complementary therapy for managing symptoms and potentially impacting cancer progression in colon cancer patients.
The Role of Cannabis in Appetite Stimulation
The role of cannabis in appetite stimulation is a topic of significant interest for individuals with conditions that affect appetite, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, or eating disorders. Cannabis is known to have potent appetite-stimulating effects, often referred to as “the munchies.” These effects arise from THC’s interaction with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, particularly the CB1 receptors located in the hypothalamus, which is involved in regulating hunger.
Research suggests that THC activates CB1 receptors in the hypothalamus, leading to the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and ghrelin, which stimulate appetite and enhance the rewarding properties of food. Cannabis consumption is often associated with increased food intake and cravings for high-calorie, flavorable foods. For individuals experiencing appetite loss due to medical conditions or treatments like chemotherapy, cannabis may offer relief by stimulating hunger and improving nutrient intake.
While THC’s appetite-enhancing effects can be beneficial for individuals with decreased appetite, excessive cannabis consumption may lead to unwanted consequences, such as weight gain, impaired glucose metabolism, or dependence. Healthcare providers and patients must carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks and then adjust treatment recommendations to the patient’s needs.
Managing Psychological Symptoms Such As Insomnia, Anxiety and Depression
Cannabis may play a role in managing psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression for patients with colon cancer through its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters found throughout the body, including the brain, that helps regulate various physiological processes, including mood and stress response.
When cannabis compounds like THC and CBD interact with the ECS, they can influence the release of neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation, such as serotonin and dopamine, or the body’s “feel good” hormones. For example, THC may produce a sense of relaxation and euphoria by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Cannabidiol (CBD) can modulate serotonin receptors and enhance the availability of serotonin, a neurotransmitter known for its mood-stabilizing effects.
A cancer diagnosis may cause emotional upset that can also disrupt healthy sleep. Colorectal cancer patients may find symptoms of nausea and pain also contribute to insomnia. Some types of medical cannabis can provide sedative effects that promote healthy, uninterrupted sleep.
Cannabis’ ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation may indirectly contribute to improved psychological well-being for patients with colon cancer. Chronic illness and cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally taxing, leading to increased stress and anxiety. By providing a sense of calm and tranquility, cannabis may help patients cope with the psychological challenges of their diagnosis.
Challenges and Considerations in Incorporating Cannabis into Colon Cancer Treatment Plans
Incorporating cannabis into colon cancer treatment plans presents several challenges and considerations. One significant challenge is the lack of standardized guidelines for cannabis use in cancer treatment. While cannabis shows promise in alleviating symptoms and potentially inhibiting cancer progression, the variability in cannabinoid composition, potency, and delivery methods makes it challenging to establish consistent dosing regimens and treatment protocols.
Another consideration is the potential interactions between cannabis and conventional cancer therapies. While cannabinoids may enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy or radiation therapy by sensitizing cancer cells to treatment-induced cell death, there is also the possibility of adverse interactions or interference with treatment outcomes. Healthcare providers must carefully monitor patients using cannabis alongside other treatments to ensure safety and efficacy while minimizing potential risks.
Cannabis holds great promise as a complementary therapy for managing symptoms and potentially impacting cancer progression in colon cancer patients.
Dr. Jack Rothman has been practicing medicine for 40+ years. He has been involved with an endless list of Boards, Executive Committees, and Task Forces, serving as Director, Society Member, President, Vice President, and Chairman. All to better the healthcare industry and patients’ lives. Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, specializing in Gynecological surgery, volunteering with free clinics and the Red Cross, he has seen the need for different patient options to help with symptom relief of multiple conditions. His interest in medical cannabis started decades ago with the historical study of ancient medicine.
Getting involved with the medical cannabis industry was the perfect opportunity for him to transition from traditional medicine into the ever-expanding industry of medical cannabis.