Breast cancer is caused by the uncontrollable growth and spread of abnormal cells in one or both of the breasts. This can produce a lump in the breast and lead to symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and fatigue. Breast cancer can also spread to other parts of the body.
Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can treat breast cancer. However, they may cause side effects, such as nausea, loss of appetite, or trouble sleeping.
For some patients, medical cannabis is a useful tool in managing breast cancer symptoms and treatment side effects.
Want to use cannabis during breast cancer treatment?
Get a personalized care plan from a provider at Leafwell!
- Product recommendations
- Dosing and daily use tips
- Flags for medication interactions
Research on cannabis for breast cancer
Learn about the scientific evidence for treating side effects and reducing cancer growth.
Treatment of side effects
Some people with breast cancer use cannabis to help ease cancer symptoms and treatment side effects, such as:
Compounds in cannabis called cannabinoids interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system helps regulate various bodily functions, including:
- Pain
- Mood
- Appetite
- Inflammation
- Sleep
- Nausea
In clinical trials, people with cancer who used cannabis saw improvements in pain, nausea, and appetite loss.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved some cannabinoid-based medications for chemotherapy-induced nausea and appetite loss, including dronabinol (Marinol) and nabilone (Cesamet).
Anticancer effects (cancer treatment)
Early studies have also found that the cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) show promise in the treatment of some types of breast cancer.
Some research suggests that cannabinoids may help slow the growth of breast cancer tumors, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer, which is historically difficult to treat. In cell studies, both CBD and THC have been shown to help lower the number of breast cancer cells and slow tumor growth.
However, most of these studies have been completed in animals or cells, and more research is needed to understand the anticancer effects of cannabis.
Using cannabis for breast cancer
Speak with your doctor before using cannabis as part of your breast cancer treatment plan.
While cannabis-based therapies can help with some symptoms, cannabis comes with its own risk of side effects. It may also interact with certain medications.
Benefits
Cannabis may offer these benefits to people with breast cancer:
- Pain relief:THC and CBD may help reduce cancer-related pain.
- Reduced nausea and vomiting: Cannabis can help manage common chemotherapy side effects, like nausea and vomiting.
- Appetite stimulation: THC can boost appetite, which helps those who have cancer-related anorexia (loss of appetite) or weight loss.
- Improved sleep and mood: Cannabis may help ease anxiety, depression, and sleep problems related to cancer.
Risks and side effects
Cannabis use carries potential risks and side effects:
- Drowsiness or dizziness: Some people feel tired or lightheaded after using cannabis.
- Dependency: Long-term cannabis use may lead to dependency.
- Cognitive effects: Cannabis can affect memory and concentration.
- Potential cancer risk: Some studies suggest that frequent cannabis use may increase the risk of certain cancers, like head and neck cancers. Lab results have also shown that cannabinoids may promote the growth of some types of cancer.
Is it legal?
The legal status of cannabis varies by state. Most states where medical cannabis use is legal include cancer as a qualifying health condition.
Specific cannabinoid-based medications approved by the FDA — dronabinol and nabilone — are fully legal across the U.S. Your healthcare team can legally prescribe these medications in any state, as they are different from state-regulated medical cannabis products.
Want to use cannabis during breast cancer treatment?
Get a personalized care plan from a provider at Leafwell!
- Product recommendations
- Dosing and daily use tips
- Flags for medication interactions
More about breast cancer
Over 300,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States.
Breast cancer has many causes, including:
- Genetics
- Hormonal imbalances
- Lifestyle habits, including smoking
- Early breast cancer symptoms can include:
- A lump in the breast
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Nipple changes, such as discharge or inversion
To diagnose breast cancer, your doctor will use certain tests, including mammograms, biopsies, and lab tests.
There are four main subtypes of female breast cancer. They are categorized by the cancer’s unique receptors and protein activity, specifically for hormone receptor (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) traits.
In order of most to least common, the subtypes are:
- HR+/HER2-: 91.3 cases per 100,000 women
- HR-/HER2-: 13.9 cases per 100,000 women
- HR+/HER2+: 12.3 cases per 100,000 women
- HR-/HER2+: 5.1 cases per 100,000 women
Different types of breast cancer can require different treatment approaches based on cancer subtype, stage, and overall health.
Other treatments for breast cancer
The goal of breast cancer treatment is to remove or control the cancer, relieve symptoms, and prolong survival.
Traditional therapies
Common breast cancer treatments include:
- Surgery: Removal of the tumor or affected tissue
- Chemotherapy: Medications that shrink or kill cancer cells
- Radiation therapy: High-energy rays that target and kill cancer cells
- Hormone therapy: Hormone blockers that lower levels of hormones that contribute to certain types of breast cancer tumor growth
- Targeted therapy: Medications that target specific abnormalities in breast cancer cells
- Immunotherapy: Medications that use the body’s immune system to treat breast cancer
Natural and alternative therapies
When combined with traditional treatment approaches, certain complementary therapies may help manage cancer symptoms and treatment side effects:
- Exercise and physical activity: Regular physical activity is recommended for people with cancer to improve overall health and boost mood.
- Healthy diet: Following a balanced and healthy diet may help improve cancer outcomes.
- Mind-body therapies: Options like yoga, meditation, and relaxation techniques can help improve well-being during and after cancer treatment.
- Good sleep hygiene: Sleep plays an important role in overall health.
Cannabis as part of your treatment plan for breast cancer
Cannabis may help some people manage breast cancer symptoms and treatment side effects, including pain, nausea, and anxiety.
That said, it’s important to speak with your doctor before using cannabis for breast cancer. Cannabis should never replace the treatment plan recommended by your doctor. Instead, it should be used alongside traditional breast cancer treatments for a well-rounded approach.
In most states, having breast cancer makes you a good candidate for a medical cannabis certification. Schedule an appointment with Leafwell to get certified for medical cannabis through an easy, virtual appointment.
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Frequently asked questions
Continue reading to learn more about cannabis for breast cancer.
Does cannabis slow down breast cancer cells?
Some research in animal and cell models suggests that cannabis may help slow the growth of certain cancers, including breast cancer. However, more human studies are needed to determine the exact benefits of cannabis for breast cancer.
Is cannabis safe during breast cancer treatment?
Cannabis is likely safe for most people to use during breast cancer treatment, but it is not completely risk-free. Cannabis might interact with certain breast cancer treatments and other medications, like opioids, which may be given to help ease breast cancer pain. Be sure to get approval from your doctor before using cannabis for breast cancer.
Can cannabis oil treat breast cancer?
Cannabis oil may help relieve certain breast cancer symptoms, such as pain or anxiety. Some research that’s been done in animals and cells suggests that cannabis may also help slow the growth of breast cancer cells. However, there’s not enough evidence to say that cannabis oil or other product types can treat breast cancer — larger, long-term human studies are needed.
Can you take CBD if you have breast cancer?
CBD may help ease certain breast cancer symptoms, such as pain. It may also help provide relief from certain chemotherapy side effects, including nausea and low appetite. However, CBD can interact with certain breast cancer treatments. Speak with your doctor before using CBD to manage your breast cancer symptoms.
