{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/skin-cancer/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2228-markdown","title":"Can Cannabis Assist in Healing Skin Cancer?","slug":"can-cannabis-assist-in-healing-skin-cancer","content":"### What Do We Know?\r\n\r\nThe _British Journal of Pharmacology_ released a study in 2013 showing that CBD, CBG, and CBV, all cannabinoids found in marijuana, were successful in “turning off” uncontrolled cell growth. CBD was found to be the most effective at targeting unwanted DNA activity that causes unrestricted cell growth, CBG was found to be the second most beneficial. Anecdotal evidence for topical application of cannabis oil to skin cancer lesions is also plentiful. There is a large gap, however, in current knowledge of cannabis and skin cancer because there have been no clinical trials that have shown the efficacy of marijuana in treating skin cancer. In the United States this is to due to the classification of cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug.\r\n\r\n### Hope for Answers\r\n\r\nA new study out of Australia could be just what is needed to show that marijuana could be a beneficial aspect of skin cancer treatment, particularly in regards to melanoma. The University of Canberra in Australia is now working to develop a new treatment for skin cancer using a special medical grade cannabis out of Israel. The University of Canberra has entered into a million dollar deal with Cann Pharmaceutical Australia, a medical cannabis distributor, to develop an effective treatment for skin cancer. The project is being headed up by Professor Sudha Rao, an innovator in the field. Rao’s team was the first to identify the role played by certain enzymes in the spread of cancer stem cells. The goal of the current project is to use this specific strain that can compliment the traditional methods currently used to treat melanoma. The project has been fast tracked and results could be available as soon as next year. Hopefully this new study will provide much needed information into the efficacy of treating skin cancer with cannabis, when combined with other therapies. \r\n\r\n\r\n### Why it's Important\r\n\r\nMelanoma is often known as the silent killer and is the most common and serious type of skin cancer. It develops when skin growth goes unimpaired and often resembles a mole or develops from an existing mole. Melanoma are often black or brown in color and have asymmetrical borders. They evolve and change unlike typical moles. 50,000 australians suffer from melanoma and it is predicted to kill 1800 people in Australia and New Zealand in 2016 alone. Also, one in five americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. It is important to keep an eye out for melanoma on your own body and get checked by a dermatologist once a year. These checks can be essential in catching melanoma early and greatly reducing its chance of spreading and causing further harm. \r\n\r\nAsk a question about this article or skin cancer in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) feature. A doctor or member of our community will answer.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/14b42/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/f836f/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.jpg 200w,\n/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/2244e/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.jpg 400w,\n/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/14b42/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.jpg 800w,\n/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/47498/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.jpg 1200w,\n/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/54ac5/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/58556/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/61e93/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.webp 200w,\n/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/1f5c5/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.webp 400w,\n/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/58556/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.webp 800w,\n/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/99238/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.webp 1200w,\n/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/5e0b8/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2211-markdown","title":"Could Cannabis Help Alleviate Skin Cancer?","slug":"could-cannabis-help-alleviate-skin-cancer","content":"Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer with 3.5 million americans being diagnosed every year. Skin cancer is caused by UV radiation which creates a cancerous lesion on the skin surface. Though different forms of skin cancer vary greatly in severity, skin cancer can be typically treated in its early stages by removing the afflicted portion of skin. In some cases, chemotherapy is necessary following the removal of the lesion. Cannabis’ possible ability to reduce or kill cancer cells has been an area of study that has interested cancer researchers for many years. \r\n\r\nA set of researchers at California Pacific Medical Center gained traction in 2007 when they released data showing how cannabidiol (CBD) can reduce the aggressiveness of human breast cancer cells in the lab. Though research in the United States is limited, three major studies have been released across the world that point to a possible successful treatment for skin cancer in medical marijuana.\r\n\r\n### What Do the Studies Say?\r\n\r\nJapanese researchers published a study in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology that showed a significant reduction of skin cancer in mice treated with synthetic cannabinoids. The study showed a reduction of about 90% across the population of mice. Though this study was conducted with synthetic cannabinoids, it points to possible success using phytocannabinoids, cannabinoids from marijuana. \r\n\r\nThe European Journal of Pharmacology published a study on how the endocannabinoid system could be crucial in fighting melanoma. The endocannabinoid system is the series of cannabinoid receptors throughout the human body that respond to both cannabinoids produced by our own bodies as well as cannabinoids from cannabis. The study found that Anandamide (AEA), a endocannabinoid we produce internally, aids in suppressing and killing cancer cells. Due to the fact that THC reacts to the same receptors as AEA, it is possible that THC could have similar effects on cancer cells. \r\n\r\nOne of the most extensive studies on skin cancer and cannabinoids came from the British Journal of Pharmacology. Based on previous research suggesting that several cannabinoids could have the ability to “switch off” uncontrolled skin cell growth. The study investigated the epigenetic regulation of genes, which determine skin differentiation, by phytocannabinoids that imitate the natural endocannabinoids found in the human body. The study tested three major non-psychoactive cannabinoids from marijuana, CBD, CBG, and CBV, on differentiating skin cells. The study compared these cannabinoids to the effects of AEA, the primary cannabinoid which the body produces itself. The key findings of this study were that cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) reduced the expression of all genes tested in differentiated skin cells, showing that CBD and CBG are able to reverse epidermal changes. The expression of  epidermal differentiation genes can be regulated by the cannabinoids CBD and CBG from cannabis, similarly to AEA. \r\n\r\n### Anecdotal Evidence Lines Up With Studies\r\n\r\nThough there is a need for clinical trials for cannabis’ effect on skin cancer, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence to back up preliminary studies that have been conducted. The United Patients Group interviewed one patient, named David Triplett, who suffered from skin cancer on his nose. His doctor had recommended using a chemotherapy topical but he was interested in information he had found about cannabis oil and skin cancer. As he applied the oil he saw no change over the course of a few weeks, but eventually the spot became smaller, then disappeared completely along with his cancer. Stories similar to David’s are not uncommon, and they show a clear need for clinical trials to see if these results are directly related to the application of cannabis oil to the skin cancer lesion. With further research, cannabis could become a natural alternative to the commonly used chemotherapy topical products or as an additional component in skin cancer treatment for patients. \r\n\r\nInterested in asking a question about this? Go to [HelloMD Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) and ask one of our doctors or community. \r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/91941044@N03/9632553110/in/photolist-fFcmrU-jTH7JT-ejKxdK-6JQ8hz-i7PX2-bCfgGt-5S2YMS-oFBPsq-oXQUPg-5RXCK6-itvhFo-8gNsD1-biPENg-fPVYUg-4TiA5k-4Brsm9-7fo2JQ-8Bnytf-oFBuXi-6Hn8tx-wpoUBB-8ffCB8-qrCunT-9nDLqa-eMhKvD-oFC2Ku-oXQUXH-aHpDce-pbNDvL-4YbLzB-4LP4hQ-pgiDPw-6mzz3A-6iGBEy-pbN9Ne-oY5xks-diSFzi-K1uVJ-f57GnS-axRzvy-oY5x19-bp3H51-5wYpxA-6phxSL-ayHe6y-oz8gXD-6nSMzC-8oaEAq-9c8e2Q-7QADSn)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5267175572519085,"src":"/static/ce6becd3892862c72259b57f38389408/ee604/15bd21ef8f8facc984b2549d1d718f97.png","srcSet":"/static/ce6becd3892862c72259b57f38389408/69585/15bd21ef8f8facc984b2549d1d718f97.png 200w,\n/static/ce6becd3892862c72259b57f38389408/497c6/15bd21ef8f8facc984b2549d1d718f97.png 400w,\n/static/ce6becd3892862c72259b57f38389408/ee604/15bd21ef8f8facc984b2549d1d718f97.png 800w,\n/static/ce6becd3892862c72259b57f38389408/37092/15bd21ef8f8facc984b2549d1d718f97.png 1180w","srcWebp":"/static/ce6becd3892862c72259b57f38389408/58556/15bd21ef8f8facc984b2549d1d718f97.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ce6becd3892862c72259b57f38389408/61e93/15bd21ef8f8facc984b2549d1d718f97.webp 200w,\n/static/ce6becd3892862c72259b57f38389408/1f5c5/15bd21ef8f8facc984b2549d1d718f97.webp 400w,\n/static/ce6becd3892862c72259b57f38389408/58556/15bd21ef8f8facc984b2549d1d718f97.webp 800w,\n/static/ce6becd3892862c72259b57f38389408/887e5/15bd21ef8f8facc984b2549d1d718f97.webp 1180w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5744,"name":"Skin Cancer","slug":"skin-cancer","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}