Basal-cell carcinoma is one of the most common skin cancers in the UK. It accounts for 75% of all non-melanoma skin cancers and affects more than 155,000 people each year. It is usually slow-growing, develops in the top layer of skin called the epidermis, and rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
While there’s no concrete evidence so far that CBD oil can cure cancer, there are several studies emerging which suggest it might be beneficial in alleviating some cancer symptoms as well as the side effects of some cancer treatments. A 2022 review concluded cannabinoids (compounds found in the cannabis plant, including CBD) showed promise for the systemic treatment of certain skin cancers and recommended that further clinical studies should be undertaken.
Understanding basal-cell carcinoma
Basal-cell carcinoma (BCC) is a very common skin cancer that usually affects the middle-aged and the elderly.
It’s mostly caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, and is more prevalent in men than women. It begins in the basal cells, which are found in the epidermis (the top layer of skin), and are responsible for making new cells when old ones die off. Other factors which increase the risk of BCC include:
- Red or blond hair
- Repeated sunburn and lots of sun exposure
- Lots of freckles or moles
- Blue or green eyes
- Heavy sunbed usage
- Family history of skin cancer
Although it rarely spreads to other parts of the body, if left untreated it can become ulcerated, which doctors call a rodent ulcer.
The subtypes of basal-cell carcinoma
There are four different types of BCC, and each one can look and behave differently.
- Nodular basal cell skin carcinoma – This usually presents as a translucent nodule with small blood vessels present
- Superficial basal cell skin carcinoma – Most often appearing on the back, it presents as pink or skin-coloured plaques which spread over the years
- Morphoeic basal cell skin carcinoma – Initially difficult to diagnose as it often looks like a scar, this subtype is particularly aggressive
- Pigmented basal cell skin carcinoma – These most often occur in darker-skinned individuals and particularly in Asians
Symptoms
Tumours may have one or more of the following characteristics:
- A shiny, skin-coloured, slightly translucent bump – on light-coloured skin, this can appear pearly white. On brown or black skin, it may look shiny and dark. Tiny blood vessels may also be present
- Scaly red mark, flat on the skin – it might have a raised edge and could grow over time
- Black, blue or brown lesion – It may have slightly raised, translucent edges
- Looks like a scar – It may appear waxy with undefined edges
What is CBD oil, and how might it help with skin cancer?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of a group of more than 100 active compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant called cannabinoids. Unlike the main active compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it has no psychotropic effect and therefore no high.
CBD reacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex and vast system of signaller and receptor cells which are responsible for many critical functions.
CBD has been shown to offer anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial, which may be relevant to skin health. This has sparked interest in CBD oil for skin cancer, including slow-growing types like basal cell carcinoma. While much of the research is still early, these properties are what make it a potential complementary therapy alongside conventional treatment.
Accessing CBD oil for cancer in the UK
In the UK, CBD oil is widely available over the counter as a wellness supplement, provided it contains less than 1 mg of THC per container.
These products are legal, but they are not regulated as medicines. For cancer patients looking for reliable dosing and specialist clinician oversight, sourcing CBD through a private medical cannabis clinic is often the most appropriate path. A prescribing specialist can also assess whether a combination of CBD and THC might be more suitable, depending on the patient’s symptoms, treatment goals, and medical history.
Can CBD oil support skin cancer treatment?
CBD has been shown in animal cancer models to inhibit the growth of several different types of cancer, including melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.
In a 2019 study into malignant melanoma, mice given CBD oil showed a notable reduction in tumour size compared to those given a placebo. While the study didn’t focus on basal cell carcinoma, it adds weight to growing interest in CBD oil for skin cancer and its possible role in slowing tumour development.
Moreover, it has also been shown in several studies to induce cell death, inhibit cell migration, and reduce tumour growth, specifically in relation to brain tumours, but research is ongoing to see if it brings about a similar effect in skin cancer cells. In breast cancer research, it was also shown to prevent the proliferation of cancer cells through a variety of mechanisms, including apoptosis (cell death) and autophagy (the body’s process of using old and damaged cell parts). It was also shown to stop breast cancer spreading.
Specifically in relation to melanoma, the studies have also been promising. Traditional chemotherapy can cause significant adverse side effects with only moderate progress in respect of patient survival. However, it is believed that, because CBD reacts with the endocannabinoid system, and this plays a crucial role in skin homeostasis, it will have a beneficial impact on treating skin cancers.
One 2018 review established that as well as having palliative effects in cancer therapy (anti-sickness drugs for chemotherapy patients), CBD could also inhibit tumour growth, blood vessel development, invasion, chemo resistance as well as increase cell death and enhance immune surveillance. Furthermore, the review suggested it could be a potent complementary therapy to sit alongside traditional therapeutics and alleviate some of the adverse side effects.
Choosing the best CBD oil for skin cancer treatment
CBD oil comes in a few different formats, and each has its own way of working with the body.
For skin conditions like basal cell carcinoma, topical CBD products tend to make the most intuitive sense. Creams, balms, and oils can be applied directly to the affected area, which feels more targeted. While we don’t yet have solid clinical proof that CBD oil for skin cancer is effective, the early signs are encouraging. Some studies suggest it may help reduce inflammation, slow down cell growth, and support skin recovery.
Then there’s sublingual CBD oil, which is taken under the tongue and absorbed into the bloodstream. It’s a popular option for people looking for broader support, especially if they’re also managing anxiety, disrupted sleep, or other side effects linked to cancer or its treatment. Some patients choose to use both approaches together, depending on what their doctor recommends.
Accessing CBD oil for cancer in the UK
In the UK, CBD oil is widely available over the counter as a wellness supplement, provided it contains less than 1 mg of THC per container. These products are legal, but they are not regulated as medicines. For cancer patients looking for reliable dosing and specialist clinician oversight, sourcing CBD through a private medical cannabis clinic is often the most appropriate path. A prescribing specialist can also assess whether a combination of CBD and THC might be more suitable, depending on the patient’s symptoms, treatment goals, and medical history.
Be wary of products that make bold claims about curing cancer. In the UK, the CBD market is lightly regulated, and that means not every product on the shelf is backed by quality control. Some may contain inconsistent levels of cannabinoids, contaminants, or more THC than the legal limit.
CBD oil should never replace conventional treatments for basal cell carcinoma or any other form of cancer. It may have a role to play as part of a wider care plan, but that decision should always be made with a qualified clinician.
If you’re considering CBD oil for basal cell carcinoma, look for legal products with batch testing, published lab results, and clear labelling. Or speak to a specialist at a medical cannabis clinic who can offer guidance tailored to your condition.
FAQs: CBD oil and basal cell carcinoma
Is CBD oil approved for skin cancer in the UK?
No. CBD oil is not an approved medical treatment for skin cancer in the UK. Over-the-counter CBD products can be legally sold as wellness supplements if they contain less than 1 mg of THC per container, but they are not licensed as cancer medicines. Medical cannabis treatments, which may include CBD, must be prescribed by a specialist doctor through a private clinic.
Can I use topical CBD on a basal cell carcinoma tumour?
Topical CBD products are widely available and often marketed for skin health. However, if you’re considering using CBD oil on a BCC tumour, speak to a dermatologist or cannabis specialist first. While early research into CBD oil for skin cancer shows promise, there is no evidence that it can treat or cure basal cell carcinoma on its own.
Does CBD help with basal cell carcinoma symptoms?
Some patients report that CBD oil helps with discomfort, inflammation, or anxiety linked to a cancer diagnosis. But when it comes to the symptoms of BCC itself, such as ulceration or bleeding, there is no clinical proof that CBD oil is effective.
It may have a place as a complementary option, but it should never replace standard treatment.
Can CBD oil play a role in treating skin cancer?
If you’re considering CBD oil for skin cancer or looking into CBD oil for basal cell carcinoma specifically, it’s important to take the right first steps. Early studies are promising, but CBD oil should never replace proven dermatological treatments without proper guidance.
Speaking to a medical cannabis specialist is the safest and most effective way to explore CBD skin cancer treatment options. Clinics with prescribing doctors can help you access regulated products, including those tailored to cancer-related symptoms, and offer insights into whether CBD oil might be helpful as a complementary therapy.
If you’re ready to find out more, a consultation with a licensed cannabis clinic can help you understand your eligibility and explore whether CBD oil for skin cancer is worth considering in your personal care plan.
If you have experience with any medical cannabis clinics here in the UK, and would like to share your experiences, then please do!
Here at Cannabis Access Clinics, we offer patients the opportunity to read and leave reviews that contribute to our knowledge and understanding of the cannabis medicine landscape here in the UK. We are dedicated to providing patients with unbiased reviews, so they can make informed decisions about their healthcare.
