
Cancer is a disease that affects countless people across the world. Cancer patients frequently suffer from severe chronic pain, and many seek alternative cancer pain management ways.
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A Quick Overview of Cancer
Cancer is a class of diseases that occurs when cellular changes result in the division and growth of cells that become uncontrollable.
In a healthy body, all cells have a lifespan. Old cells die, giving way to new cells that function much more efficiently. Cancer cells lack this mechanism that tells them to die. Therefore, they keep dividing and do not die. Instead, they accumulate in the body forming tumors and use up the nutrients and oxygen that would otherwise be used by healthy cells.
There are many causes for cancer to develop. These include exposure to radiation as well as chemical and biological carcinogens.
The main risk factors are smoking, heavy consumption of alcohol, excessive body weight, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and more. Cancer is also more common as people age, and those with a family history of cancer may have a higher predisposition to the disease.
There are also many types of cancer. The most common types are lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and skin cancer. Lung, colorectal, stomach, liver, and breast cancer claim the largest number of lives.
Cancer is the second largest cause of death in the US. There are nearly 2 million new cancer patients each year in the country, with over 4 thousand patients being diagnosed each day.
Common Cancer Treatment Methods
There are various cancer treatment methods. They focus on treating cancer to enable a person to live a normal life span. However, sometimes, it’s not possible. In such cases, treatment focuses on shrinking tumors or preventing them from growing further. The most common cancer treatments are:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Stem cell transplant
- Hormonal therapy
- And more.
While in some instances, one treatment method is enough, in many cases, more than one treatment method is needed.
Additionally, modern cancer treatment methods face many challenges, such as difficulty isolating cancer cells. Treatments, such as chemotherapy, can also affect healthy cells.
Therefore, cancer treatments come with many side effects. These include:
- Anemia,
- Gastrointestinal problems,
- Hair loss,
- Fertility issues,
- Memory problems,
- Problems concentrating,
- Nausea and vomiting,
- Sleep problems,
- Depression,
- Anxiety,
- Pain,
- And many more.
Cancer pain is widespread among cancer patients. It is due to cell damage, which can be a result of either the progression of cancer and it causing pressure on bones, nerves, and other organs, or cancer treatment. The most common treatment for that is pain medication, such as opioids.
What Is Kratom?
A tropical Southeast Asian tree, kratom has been used for medicinal purposes for generations. Kratom leaves are rich in alkaloids. Two of them, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, are responsible for most of the kratom effects.
Can You Use Kratom for Cancer-Related Pain
Kratom has many beneficial properties. Depending on the vein and strain type of kratom, it can soothe severe pain, relieve depression, anxiety, and stress, improve mood, improve focus and concentration, and much more.
Therefore, kratom can be a beneficial alternative to traditional cancer pain management methods. Moreover, it can alleviate other symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and sleep issues.
Best Strains of Kratom for Cancer Pain Management
Red Bali Kratom
Red Bali Kratom is the most popular, widely available, as well as affordable kratom strain. It is also one of the most long-lasting strains.
Red Bali Kratom has potent pain-relieving properties that can soothe cancer pain. It is also very relaxing and produces strong euphoria. Therefore, it can also boost mood, aid with sleep problems, and relieve anxiety.
Red Vein Thai
Due to its high 7-hydroxymitragynine content, Red Thai Kratom is another potent pain-relieving strain. It also has sedating properties that can help relieve sleep-related issues.
Red Vein Borneo
This red vein kratom strain has strong mood-boosting properties in addition to offering relief for cancer pain management. Therefore, it can also help those experiencing anxiety and depression.
Red Vein Maeng Da
Red vein Maeng Da Kratom is a potent pain-relieving kratom strain that can be effective for chronic pain resulting from conditions like arthritis and cancer. It also has potent sedating properties and can relieve pain at night.
Red Horn Kratom
Red Horn Kratom is a rare strain. The leaves of this kratom variety have horns, and kratom farmers believe that they have higher alkaloid content due to them. Keep in mind that many vendors may mix in unhorned leaves with the horned ones to make more sales using the popular name. So, you should only buy Horn Kratom from reputable vendors to avoid overpaying.
Red Vein Sumatra
While most red vein kratom strains have sedating effects, Red Sumatra Kratom is energizing. As a result, it can boost the mood and provide additional energy for days when one may not feel as energized.
Precautions When Taking Kratom for Cancer Pain Management
Keep in mind, though, interactions with other medications, such as cancer treatment drugs, may be possible. None are currently known due to limited studies currently available on kratom. Nonetheless, you should consult your doctor before you start taking kratom for cancer pain management.
The immune system of cancer patients is already compromised. Therefore, if you take kratom for cancer pain management, make sure only to purchase it from a reputable and trustworthy vendor.
Kratom is not regulated in the USA by the FDA. So, kratom powder can become contaminated with substances such as salmonella. Without proper testing, this can lead to contaminated kratom reaching cancer patients.
Moreover, some manufacturers or vendors may add other substances to kratom to enhance its effects. These can be potentially dangerous, too.
Because of that, always make sure that you only buy pure kratom from vendors who lab-test kratom and are based in the states that have passed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. If your state has not done it, consider online vendors from US states that have the KCPA in place, for example, the Nevada-based Kraoma.
Are you using kratom for cancer pain management? Which strains do you find the most helpful?
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