The Link Between Opioids and Cancer: What You Need to Know

Opioids are powerful drugs used to relieve pain. While they can help people manage severe physical distress, there are concerns about the link between opioids and cancer. 

Learning about how opioids work and their risks can help you make more informed decisions about their use. This guide also shows you how to connect with compassionate and effective opioid addiction treatment.

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are medications that help reduce pain by interacting with the body’s mu-opioid receptors These drugs are commonly prescribed to treat pain from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. 

Opioids work by disrupting pain signals and releasing chemicals that create a feeling of pleasure or euphoria. However, these same properties that make opioids effective for pain relief also make them highly addictive. 

Misuse or long-term use can lead to dependence, overdose, and serious health issues. For this reason, the DEA classifies opioids as Schedule II controlled substances.

Examples of Opioids

There are many types of opioids, each with different strengths and uses. Some common examples include:

• Morphine: Often used in hospitals for severe pain.
• Hydrocodone: The active ingredient in prescription opioids like Vicodin that’s used for pain relief.
• Oxycodone: An opioid used in medications like Percocet and OxyContin that’s prescribed for moderate to severe pain.
• Fentanyl: A very potent opioid used for severe pain, often in cancer patients. Illicit fentanyl is also a growing problem in the United States.
• Codeine: A milder opioid that’s used for less severe pain and cough suppression.

These drugs are essential for managing pain but need to be used carefully to avoid addiction and other health risks, including an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

How Do Opioids Lead to Cancer?

Opioids and cancer are linked because of the way this class of drugs affects the body’s immune system. When you use opioids, your body’s ability to fight off diseases, including cancer, can get weaker.

Opioids can also encourage the growth of cancer cells. Some studies suggest that opioids and cancer growth occur due to the way opioids help cancer cells spread more easily in the body. For example, opioids might increase blood flow to tumors, helping them grow faster.

While more research is needed, it’s clear that long-term opioid use can have serious health impacts.

3 Most Common Types of Illness as a Result of Opioid Use

Opioid use can lead to various serious health problems beyond addiction. Understanding these risks can help people make more informed decisions about pain management and the potential long-term consequences of using these powerful drugs. Here are three common illnesses that can result from opioid use:

1. Lung cancer and respiratory issues: Opioid use can lead to respiratory problems and significantly increase the risk of lung cancer, especially in individuals who smoke. Smoking is a primary cause of lung cancer, and opioids can further weaken the lungs, making them more susceptible to damage. Opioids can slow breathing and reduce oxygen levels in the body, which might contribute to an environment where cancer cells can thrive. Chronic opioid use may trigger respiratory depression, where the breathing becomes too slow or shallow, leading to long-term lung damage and increased cancer risk.
2. Liver disease and liver cancer: The liver plays a key role in filtering toxins from the body, but long-term opioid use can impair this function. Chronic opioid use can lead to liver damage or liver disease, which significantly raises the risk of developing liver cancer. Opioids are metabolized in the liver, and excessive use can cause liver inflammation, scarring (cirrhosis), and other serious liver conditions. Additionally, those who use opioids are at higher risk of contracting hepatitis C, a viral infection that can lead to chronic liver disease and increase the risk of liver cancer.
3. Gastrointestinal problems and colon cancer: Opioid use can severely affect the digestive system, leading to conditions like chronic constipation, bowel obstruction, and other gastrointestinal issues. These conditions can increase the risk of colon cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers. Opioids slow down the movement of the digestive tract, causing prolonged constipation and straining, which can lead to changes in the colon and rectum. Over time, these changes can develop into cancer. Beyond this, chronic opioid use can alter the gut microbiome, disrupting the balance of good bacteria in the intestines, which can also contribute to the development of cancer.

Understanding these health risks is essential for anyone considering or currently using opioids. Always consult with healthcare professionals to explore safer pain management options and to understand the potential long-term effects of opioid use.

How to Prevent Opioid-Induced Cancer

Preventing opioid-induced cancer involves making smart choices about pain management and being aware of the risks. Here are some ways to help reduce the chances of developing cancer from opioid use:

• Use opioids only when necessary: Only use opioids when absolutely needed and always follow your doctor’s instructions. Avoid taking higher doses or using them for longer than prescribed.
• Explore other pain relief options: Talk to your doctor about other ways to manage pain, like physical therapy, acupuncture, or non-opioid medications. Sometimes, a combination of treatments can be effective without the need for opioids.
• Regular check-ups: Visit your doctor regularly to monitor your health and discuss any concerns. Early detection of health problems can make a big difference.
• Healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use. A healthy lifestyle can strengthen your body and help prevent cancer.
• Stay informed: Learn about the risks of opioids and the signs of addiction. Being informed can help you make better choices and seek help if needed.

By taking these steps, you can manage pain effectively while reducing the risk of opioid-induced cancer. Always work with your healthcare provider to find the safest and most effective pain management plan for you.

Get Science-Based, Insurance-Covered Opioid Addiction Treatment at Renaissance Recovery

Get help addressing addiction to opioids at Renaissance Recovery in California and Florida. We specialize in the outpatient treatment of all addictions and mental health issues, helping more people begin long-term recovery from opioid use disorder.

We can connect you with detox centers near you if you require assistance with opioid withdrawal. You can then attend weekday therapy sessions at one of our rehabs by the beach.

The unique presentation of all addictions means you can expect a personalized treatment plan at Renaissance. Therapies may include:

• Counseling
• Talk therapy (CBT and DBT)
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Motivational therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Holistic therapy
• Aftercare

Begin your recovery from opioid addiction by calling 866.330.9449.