Make way for Movember: Men's health and medical cannabis

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that affects men and people with male reproductive organs. It occurs when cells in the prostate gland start to grow out of control. The prostate is an organ located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is only found in males. 

There are several types of prostate cancer, almost all of which are adenocarcinomas. Less common types of prostate cancer include:

• Small cell carcinoma (small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma)
• Other neuroendocrine tumours (including large cell carcinoma)
• Transitional cell carcinoma
• Sarcomas

Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms and is usually found through screening; however, in the later stages, the disease can be associated with several symptoms, including problems urinating and getting an erection, loss of bladder or bowel control, weight loss, and fatigue.

Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the age and overall health of the patient, and personal preference. Options include radiotherapy, surgery (radical prostatectomy), cryotherapy, and hormone therapy.

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that affects the testicles. There are several types of testicular cancer which vary in seriousness; however, most testicular cancers develop in germ cells. It is also common for testicular cancer to spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen.

It is unknown what causes testicular cancer, but some factors may increase the risk of developing it. These can include, having undescended testicles (cryptorchidism), the presence of abnormal cells in the testicles, abnormalities of the penis or urethra, and a family history of the disease.

Symptoms of testicular cancer can include:

• A lump or swelling in part of one testicle
• A heavy scrotum
• A testicle that gets bigger
• Pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum

Again, treatment for testicular cancer can be dependent on a number of factors, including the stage of the cancer and whether or not it has spread to other parts of the body. Patients with testicular cancer may be offered chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgeries to remove the testicles and lymph nodes that may be affected.

Medical cannabis and cancer 

Medical cannabis is becoming increasingly available for the treatment of a wide range of symptoms and conditions, including those associated with cancer, or the traditional approaches used to treat it.

While some of this research has found that cannabinoids may promote cell proliferation (death) and stop cells from dividing or developing in new blood vessels, which could suggest their potential to prevent the spread of cancerous cells, medical cannabis is not considered a suitable treatment - nor is it a cure - for cancer itself. Much of this research is still in its early stages, and more human clinical trials are needed to better understand this potential.

More robust evidence shows medical cannabis can be useful in the management and treatment of  cancer associated symptoms, including cancer-related pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.

And, the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) also states that Nabilone - a synthetic cannabinoid - can be considered by the NHS in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Men’s mental health and suicide prevention

In recent years, mental health problems have become increasingly prominent in all sections of society; however, research shows that men are less likely to talk about their mental health, often leading them to suffer in silence. 

According to NHS data, 12.5% of men in the UK have a mental health disorder. Moreover, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. 

Raising awareness around these issues is crucial in addressing men’s mental health and aiding suicide prevention.

Medical cannabis for mental health

The most common mental health conditions in the UK are anxiety and depression. These conditions can occur together (mixed anxiety and depression) or alone. 

While conventional treatments, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for anxiety and antidepressants for depression can be effective, they can also be associated with unwanted side effects. For these reasons, many people with these conditions turn to alternative therapies, including medical cannabis.

Medical cannabis for anxiety 

Cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant have been found to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) - a system that influences a number of processes, including mood. Some studies indicate that these interactions may be useful for regulating anxiety, with a growing body of clinical and observational evidence seeming to support this. 

Medical cannabis can be prescribed to patients with anxiety disorders when conventional therapies have failed to yield a significant response.

“In just one month of treatment with medical cannabis, I can already feel the positive changes. I don't feel introverted any more, and I don't feel like I need to close myself off and crawl into a hole in the ground. I'm starting to feel like myself, and I just want to get out and be around people again. “

• Releaf patient, Brandon, talks of his experience using medical cannabis for anxiety.

Medical cannabis for depression

The ECS’s role in mood may also present a target for treatments of depression - a condition and symptom that causes persistent low mood. Moreover, research shows that cannabis use is relatively prevalent among individuals with depression - in 2019, over a third of medical cannabis patients in the UK were treating this condition/symptom. Several studies have explored this potential, including a 2022 analysis which suggests medical cannabis treatment may be associated with improvements in depression severity.

Final thoughts

Movember is a time for coming together to raise awareness for important health issues facing men around the world. Tackling these issues can involve a wide range of approaches, and in some cases, medical cannabis may be an option. 

Medical cannabis can now be prescribed for a number of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, it is important to seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional who can help you consider your options. 

If you’re wondering how to support men’s mental health and physical well-being this Movember, visit their website to find out how you can get involved.