Can Cannabis Cure Testicular Cancer?
A recent study implies that heavy cannabis smokers are at risk to develop testicular cancer. The study claims that smoking 1 joint per day over 10 years increases the risk to 36% in developing cancer in the testicles. They used 25 studies published between 1973 to 2018 to see if there is a link between cannabis and lung cancer, oral cancer, testicle cancer, and head and neck cancer. They did not find any association between marijuana and the other cancers, but insights into how long-term weed smokers could end up with testicular cancer.
In their conclusions, they also found that those who consume cannabis only sometimes were not at risk. They link the possible risk of developing cancer due to the carcinogens released when a joint is smoked. Marijuana, like any other plant, when it is burned, releases smoke and heat that creates more carcinogens. The researchers couldn´t determine why their studies showed the link to testicular cancer.
On this note, it is wise to admit that more serious studies are needed to prove the finding. The endocrine system together with the endocannabinoid system is very complicated. The role of endocannabinoid signaling and cannabinoid receptors with regards to testicular cancer still has to be analyzed more. The results of the study have various limitations and only further study would reveal more. Meanwhile, let´s look at how cannabis could help testicular cancer.
What Exactly is Testicular Cancer?
Even though testicular cancer is not as common as other cancers, it is common in men between 15 and 35 years old. Testicular cancer happens in the testicles or testes. The testicles are found inside the scrotum (a loose bag of skin under the penis) The testicles are responsible for the reproduction of the male hormones and sperm. The good news is that this type of cancer is highly treatable, even if it is far advanced.
There are different types of testicular cancer
As with many parts of the body, a man´s testicles are complex. It consists of various types of cells. Each one of these can develop in a different type of cancer. Each cancer has a different prognosis and has to be treated differently too. The different types of cancers are:
Germ Cell Tumors – This is the most common of the different types of testicular cancers. Cancer develops in the germ cells responsible for sperm production. This can be further divided into two sub-cancers:
Seminomas – This type grows and spread more gradually and can further be broken down to:
Spermatocytic seminoma- This form of cancer is rare and found more in older men. It is a slow-growing cancer and not likely to spread to other parts of the body.
Classical Seminoma – Over 95% of testicular cancers are this type of cancer. It is more prone to men between 25 and 45
Non- seminomas- This type of cancer is found more under men in their late teens and early 30’s. It can be subdivided into four types of cancers:
Yolk sac carcinoma
Embryonal carcinoma
Teratoma
Choriocarcinoma
Symptoms to look out for
When you experience any of the following symptoms it is time to look for a doctor.
Enlargement or lump in either testicle
A heavy feeling in the scrotum
Dull pain in the lower abdomen or groin
Sudden collection of fluids in the scrotum
Discomfort or pain in the scrotum or a testicle
Tenderness in the breasts, or even enlargements
Back pain
Treating Testicular Cancer Effectively with Cannabis
The studies that link weed to testicular cancer is inconclusive and show rather a cause-and-effect relationship. There are more studies available that show how cannabis can treat testicular cancer, especially when chemotherapy is involved. It helps to reduce pain and nausea, and it also increases appetite. Both THC and CBD are actively proving to reduce cancer cells. It successfully shrinks cancerous tumors.
THC has anti-tumor effects. In a study where cancerous cells were introduced in mice, the tumors were treated with the cannabinoid THC. THC acted through the cannabinoid receptor CB2 where it jointly interacted with GPR55 to reduce tumor growth. GPR55 is also a cannabinoid compound.
In another study with the focus on testicular cancer and THC, the compound reduced both benign and cancerous tumors all over the body.
What Symptoms Can Cannabis Treat in Testicular Cancer?
Using marijuana for medicinal purposes in testicular cancer is very beneficial. It improves the overall condition of the patient and helps to relieve the side-effects of other treatments for cancer. Some of the side-effects treatable by marijuana are:
Vomiting
Nausea
Extreme pain
Fatigue
Lack of appetite
Smoking cannabis is still a very popular form to treat medical issues. For relieving the symptoms of testicular cancer, strains like Charlotte´s Web and Granddaddy Purple are excellent. Other ways to treat the symptoms are vaporizing, edibles, sublingual oils, and sprays.
CANNABIS AND CANCER, READ THESE...
CURING CANCER WITH CANANBIS BY RICK SIMPSON, LISTEN HERE!
OR..
CAN CANNABIS CURE CANCER, IS THAT TRUE, CLICK HERE.
OR..
