Cancer is the second most common cause of death in Poland, according to 2020 CSO data. Alternative cancer therapies are being researched around the world, and hemp phytocannabinoids, including CBD, are one of the groups of substances being studied. Scientific publications show the beneficial effects of hemp in alleviating the side effects of invasive cancer treatments.

Cancer incidence in Poland and the EU

We know from the CSO's report that 196,000 new cases of norotwors were diagnosed in Poland in 2020. Among women, breast cancer was the most common (25.3%), followed by lung cancer (11.5%), while men had the highest incidence of lung cancer (18.5%), followed by prostate cancer (18.3%). 

These statistics reflect a pan-European trend. In 2020, there were 4 million new cancer cases across the EU. Among women, breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed (27.8%), and among men, prostate cancer (22.2%). What distinguishes Poland from other European countries is the high mortality rate, especially among breast cancer patients..

At the same time, considering the broader context, it can be noted that cancer mortality in the EU is much higher for men than for women (1,076,587 to 865,965 deaths in 2020). This is explained, among other things, by men's greater tendency to procrastinate visiting the doctor.

Cancer - how does the disease develop?

Cancers arise as a result of genetic damage in the body's cells. They involve abnormal cell division, which is a consequence of gene mutations.

Healthy cells in human body They systematically replace themselves. New cells are created through the process of cell division and take the place of old or damaged cells, which in turn die. Such a process occurs in every tissue of the body. This is what makes wounds heal and the body regenerate. 

The natural process of cell division can stop working properly for various reasons, and damaged cells, instead of dying, divide, grow and form tumors. Some of these tumors may be cancerous in nature.  

Important features of cancer cells include:

• • are not subject to apoptosis, that is, their division doesn't stop and they don't die when they "should," although they don't receive a signal to grow or they receive a signal to stop division,

• The transformation of a healthy cell into a cancerous one is a long and complex process, Which can remain latent for up to decades. The formation of cancer is a consequence of changes in many genes at the same time, including genes related to the growth, monogenization, differentiation and death of the body's cells. 

• The immune system does not fight them, because it does not recognize them as a threat - they are the body's own cells, only distorted; some cancers inhibit the immune response by secreting a special enzyme,
• Are capable of surrounding themselves with blood vessels, through which they take up nutrients, so they are able to grow much faster; there are therapeutic methods to stop the growth of blood vessels in the tumor area,
• divide quickly, a Genetic stability of transformed cells decreases - An increasing number of genes can undergo mutations. 

Benign vs. malignant neoplasm

Tumors are divided into malignant and benign. Malignant ones are those in which accumulated cancer cells infiltrate healthy tissues adjacent to the tumor and can spread through the body. This spread leads to outbreaks in other locations, often far away from the first outbreak. These are known as metastases, and the process is called metastasis.

Benign tumors do not have the ability to spread through the tissues surrounding the focus of the disease, and do not form metastases. After surgical removal of the focus of the disease - the tumor - the neoplasm usually does not reappear, as is the case with malignant tumors. However, they too, due to their size or location (e.g., the brain), can pose a serious threat to health and life.

Cancer and the immune system 

Cancer cells have the ability to interfere with the immune system's response to a threat. Scientists propose to view cancer as a disease of genes and the immune system, and the field that observes these relationships is called immuno-oncology. 

Every day there are changes in the genetic material of the cells of the human body. This can happen under the influence of environmental factors, as well as internal factors, such as those related to metabolic processes. A properly functioning immune system is able to respond efficiently and accurately to such changes. 

If the immune system does not work properly, the process of dividing and transforming cancer cells is not stopped in time - they begin to multiply intensively. This happens despite the fact that the body's cells have repair and rescue systems that are activated when cellular DNA is damaged. 

Errors in this system lead to mutations, also in the growth signaling system, growth arrest and cell death. If there is no balance in these processes, various diseases can develop, including cancer. 

Hemp cannabinoids in oncology 

CBD - regulation of the immune system

Scanning the body for threats (such as pre-cancerous cells) and eliminating them is the role of the immune system. If this defense is weak, malformed cells can proliferate and form tumors. 

This knowledge is used in cancer treatment - there are cancer drugs that strengthen the immune system and teach it to fight cancer.Cannabidiol (CBD) also strengthens and activates the immune system - Can help it recognize cancer cells as a threat.

Cannabis in the treatment of cancer pain

Research reports confirm the feasibility of using hemp cannabinoids In pain management. Scientific reports cover many types of pain: headache, pain resulting from trauma or cancer pain. 

CBD and other cannabinoids activate the endocannabinoid system, reducing the processing of pain signals. Mechanism of action involves the regulation of neurotransmitters. Hemp phytocannabinoids also exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. 

Medical hemp containing CBD are used to relieve cancer pain in patients and clients who do not respond to conventional pain therapy.

In an analysis of selected studies involving male and female cancer patients, we read that in 4 out of 5 study groups, cannabinoids had an effect on reducing the pain experienced. All researchers note the need for studies on larger groups of people with cancer, which would allow to determine the optimal dosage of CBD in pain relief related to cancer.

CBD eases chemotherapy side effects

The most commonly cited side effects of chemotherapy include:

• diarrhea,
• Nausea and vomiting,
• anxiety, 
• sense of brokenness,
• lack of appetite, 
• dysregulated diurnal cycle.

Data collected by researchers show that hemp cannabinoids (including CBD) alleviate or even eliminate vomiting and diarrhea that occur after chemotherapy. They can also have a beneficial effect on the mood of sick people: they reduce anxiety levels.

Most scientists studying use of medical cannabis in treatment cancer shows the need for larger-scale research, as he sees its therapeutic potential.