World Cancer Day: Personalising care with medical cannabis
7 min read
Sarah Sinclair
Cancer affects the lives of millions of people around the world and everyone’s story is different. As a clinic offering personalised medical cannabis treatment, Releaf is embracing the theme for World Cancer Day on Tuesday 4 February and advocating for patients to be front and centre of their care.
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World Cancer Day: United by Unique
World Cancer Day is an international campaign, led by the Union for International Cancer Control, which aims to raise awareness and mobilise action to address the global cancer pandemic. Running from 2025-2027, the current theme ‘United by Unique’ places people at the centre of care and explores new ways of making a difference.
Every experience with cancer is unique. The campaign argues that a people-centred approach to cancer care that integrates each individual’s unique needs, with compassion and empathy leads to the best health outcomes.
It is advocating for a world where we look beyond the disease and see the person before the patient. A world where the needs of people and communities are at the centre of health systems.
Becoming Lou: Releaf medical cannabis patient
Medical cannabis and cancer
Medical cannabis is not a cure for cancer. However, in some circumstances, it can be prescribed as an adjunctive therapy for cancer related symptom management or to help manage the side-effects that come with conventional treatments such as chemotherapy. This includes things like sickness and nausea, poor appetite, sleep, anxiety and pain which can all have a detrimental impact on quality of life.
However, medical cannabis can interact with other cancer treatments in unexpected ways - so it is essential that the use of cannabis-based products is done under the guidance of a clinician, with regular monitoring from healthcare professionals.
Research is very much still ongoing to understand the long-term safety and efficacy of cannabinoids such as CBD and THC, and how they affect different types of cancer. In 2022, Cancer Research UK updated its guidance on cannabis and cancer treatment, stating that studies have delivered “intriguing results from lab experiments looking at a number of different cancers, including glioblastoma brain tumours, prostate, breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers.”
There is more substantive evidence for the use of cannabis in mitigating the side-effects of conventional treatments, particularly chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CVN) and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
Dr Sue Clenton, Releaf’s Medical Director, and an Oncologist with over 20 years of experience, says:
“Chronic pain, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and low moods can all contribute to a decline in overall wellbeing and quality of life… While medical cannabis is in no way a cure, it has shown promising results in helping to manage these symptoms, and as an Oncologist - I’ve seen first-hand how regaining control over these symptoms can make a remarkable difference in a patient’s life.”
Placing patients front and centre
As a clinic, Releaf shares the values of the ‘United in Unique’ theme. Its passion for placing patients at the heart of their care is outlined in our Patient Charter. Releaf now supports thousands of patients with medical cannabis treatment, but every patient is unique, and, everyone’s journey with the medication is different.
Personalised treatment plans
Releaf’s specialist doctors always tailor their treatment plans to the individual, ensuring these are suitable for their specific needs. They also have regular follow-ups to check on how things are going and to make any adjustments to their treatment as necessary.
Our doctors have pledged to work collaboratively with patients to provide the best level of care, and the team is committed to the continuous improvement of its patient experience and outcomes. They will always aim to carry out appointments at a time that is most convenient, including offering flexible weekend and evening appointments for patients who need them.
Patient support
Throughout their treatment, patients also have access to Releaf’s Patient Support Team should they have any concerns or questions about their care. For patients with a life-limiting illness and currently receiving palliative treatment, Releaf aims to expedite your appointment and will give you access to the Patient Support Team on a dedicated number.
Personal stories
We also believe in empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health by sharing their stories and hearing first-hand about the impact medical cannabis treatment has had on their lives.
Louise, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2022, recently shared her experience with Releaf after looking for alternative treatments to help her feel more comfortable.
Louise says: “My medical cannabis prescription has been properly explained to me by my doctor at Releaf. I know why I've got it, where it came from, and how much to use. My medicine is prescribed for me and my particular condition, it’s not just a standard dose that’s given to everyone. It’s personal.
“Dr. Clenton and I chatted for at least half an hour, and she never once made me feel rushed, or like she needed to go and deal with other things, she was focused only on me.”
Since starting treatment with prescribed cannabis oil, Louise says her sleep has improved, which in turn, has helped her manage the physical, and psychological, impacts of chemotherapy.
She adds: “I’m happy to have found a medicine that helps without being so hard on my body, so I’m able to just get on with life. It’s a much more manageable and comfortable way to go forward into the future.”
Medical cannabis and cancer: FAQS
Can cannabis cure cancer?
No. There is no evidence that cannabis cures cancer. While there have been some promising early studies in certain conditions, more research is required to understand the role of different cannabinoids in different cancer types.
How do I take cannabis for cancer?
The majority of clinics, including Releaf, predominantly prescribe medical cannabis in flower and oil-based formats. Some clinics may offer additional products such as oral mucosal sprays, capsules, or pastilles.
How to get medical cannabis for cancer in the UK
Most doctors prescribe unlicensed CBMPs through private specialist clinics, such as Releaf. Once you have completed the eligibility assessment you will be invited to book an initial consultation with a specialist doctor.
What if I have questions or concerns about my treatment?
Releaf patients can contact the Patient Support Team here, if they have any concerns or questions about their treatment. In some cases, it may be appropriate to book a follow-up appointment with your doctor to assess any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Where can I find more information about medical cannabis and cancer?
You can find more information on the Releaf website via the Education section and in our blog, where we have covered many aspects of medical cannabis and cancer.
Other articles cancer patients may find helpful:
What does research say about medical cannabis?
A full guide to medical cannabis and cancer
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It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
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Sarah, a distinguished journalist with over a decade in publishing and communications, now excels in cannabis health and policy journalism in the UK, advocating for informed health decisions through her award-winning work.
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