Cancer Patients Can Access Medical Marijuana in New York

Cancer prevalence includes people diagnosed with cancer in the past as well as those who were recently diagnosed.

The American Cancer Society reported as of January 2019, that the most common cancer survived by males was prostate cancer at 45%. For females, breast cancer was the most prevalent cancer site at 44%.

The National Cancer Institute estimated in 2020 that 1,806,590 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States.

Medical Marijuana and Cancer

Medical marijuana may help manage symptoms of pain and nausea in cancer patients. When it comes to marijuana and cancer, some studies have found it may lessen symptoms of nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy.

Cancer patients who use medical marijuana often need less pain medication.

Cancer is one of the conditions that qualify for medical marijuana inNew York. You need to get a medical marijuana first and a doctor’s recommendation to access one.

If you’re seeking MMJ as an alternative option for your condition, visit our NY page and apply for a medical marijuana card at TeleLeaf RX.

Cancer Statistics in NY

Cancer is the most common chronic condition in New York. In 2017, there were 115,007 New Yorkers who were diagnosed with cancer, according to the Department of Health in New York.

The overall cancer rate of 480.6 cases per 100,000 persons in New York was the fourth-highest among the 50 states. This rate is significantly above the national average of 437.8 per 100,000. It is estimated that 1,068,900 New Yorkers have been diagnosed with cancer.

What is Cancer?

The National Cancer Institute defines cancer as a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. It can start almost anywhere in the human body.

Sometimes, abnormal or damaged cells grow and multiply when they shouldn’t and these cells may form tumors or lumps of tissue. Tumors can be cancerous or benign (not cancerous).

Types of Cancer

There are more than 100 types of cancer that are named for the organs or tissues where the cancers form or are described by the type of cell that formed them.

The National Cancer Institute listed these typical types of cancers that begin in specific types of cells:

• Carcinoma – the most common type of cancer formed by epithelial cells, the cells that cover the inside and outside surfaces of the body.

The subtypes of this type of cancer are:

» Adenocarcinomas
» Basal cell carcinoma
» Squamous cell carcinoma
» Transitional cell carcinoma

• Sarcoma – cancer that forms in the bone and soft tissues like muscle, fat, blood vessels, lymph vessels, and fibrous tissue (tendons and ligaments)
• Leukemia – begins in the blood-forming tissue of the bone marrow with large numbers of abnormal white blood cells that crowd out normal blood cells.
• Lymphoma – begins in disease-fighting white blood cells (lymphocytes) called T cells or B cells.
• Multiple Myeloma – occurs when abnormal plasma cells called myeloma cells build up in the bone marrow and form tumors in bones throughout the body.
• Melanoma – begins in cells that become melanocytes or specialized cells that make melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.
• Brain and spinal cord tumors – based on the type of cell in which they formed and where the tumor first formed in the central nervous system.
• Germ Cell tumors – begin in the cells that give rise to sperm or eggs
• Neuroendocrine tumors – from cells that release hormones into the blood in response to a signal from the nervous system
• Carcinoid tumors – a type of neuroendocrine tumor usually found in the gastrointestinal system, most often in the rectum and small intestine

Impact on Lifestyle of Cancer

People with cancer most often need to contend with the effects of the disease and its treatment on their health, well-being, family and social relationships, and economic productivity.

The burden of cancer on cancer patients also included increasing cancer treatment costs.

Major lifestyle changes need to be considered once diagnosed with the disease since 90-95% of cancer cases are caused by the environment and lifestyle.

Available Cancer Treatments

There are many available options for cancer treatment. The type of treatment would mostly depend on the type of cancer and how advanced it is.

The most common types of treatment are:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Stem cell or bone marrow transplant
• Hormone therapy
• Precision or personalized medicine

Medical Marijuana as an Alternative Treatment

Medical marijuana is a complementary and alternative medicine that helps alleviate many symptoms of cancer.

A number of studies involving patients undergoing cancer treatment have shown that medical marijuana can help in managing the following:

• Pain. Medical marijuana may have anti-inflammatory effects that can help with pain.
• Nerve damage. It has been shown to provide relief for those experiencing pain from nerve damage.
• Nausea and vomiting. Studies have shown that medical marijuana can be an alternative for nausea and vomiting.

Call TeleLeaf RX to know more about medical marijuana card applications.