Skin Cancer Playbooks
Disclaimer
The information contained herein is based on patient-reported outcomes and is in no way intended to be a medical or prescriptive guide or a substitute for informed medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a physician or other qualified health-care professional before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment. Anyone considering FECO should consult with their healthcare provider first in order to make an informed decision.
What is FECO?
Short for “Full Extract Cannabis Oil,” FECO is a concentrated whole-plant extract that includes all of the essential and active ingredients of the cannabis plant. Full extract cannabis oil may also be referred to as FSO (full spectrum oil), and RSO (“Rick Simpson” oil) all of which are equivalent.
FECO, first used all the way back in the 1800s, has a dark, thick consistency. It can be applied topically or ingested, typically orally.
Skin Cancer Use Guide
Topical application is the most common and successful method of use. While it may seem sticky or messy at first, with a bit of practice application is quite easy. FECO is normally applied directly onto skin daily for up to 6 weeks, however many surveyed have reported 3-4 weeks was sufficient. An easy and neat way to apply FECO is to place a small (rice-grain sized) amount on a band-aid and then apply the band-aid to cover the skin cancer area. This also helps protect the area being treated
What to Expect
- When first starting treatment:
- Patient-Reported Outcomes, or PROs, report that most people using FECO notice a lesion that looks abnormal, perhaps looking like a pimple that will not go away easily. This is where they placed the FECO, whether directly or using a band-aid as suggested above.
- During your treatment period:
- Many PROs, after 2-3 daily applications of FECO directly on the skin cancer, began noticing the skin surrounding it becoming red. This is normal: it means the FECO is pulling cancer from the skin. After a few more applications they reported a scab starting to form followed by what some have reported as as reduction of the size of the initial growth.
- After treatment:
- PROs reported those who have used FECO have shared that the affected area typically clears up in 30-45 days with minimal scarring. It is important not to scratch or disturb the scab: letting FECO and body work naturally together will minimize risk of scarring.
Tips
- Always wash your hands before and after application of FECO.
- Be patient: daily application, 30-45 days, is the recommended treatment.
- Don’t scratch the area being treated or disturb the scab: leave it be.
- Above all, wear sun protection. It’s your best defense.
Cautions
- FECO can result in mild intoxication and/or drowsiness:
- Do not drive or operate machinery.
- Do not engage in mentally or physically challenging or dangerous activities,
- Go slow. The immediate effects of ingestion can be delayed, so it’s best to start with a small amount and then increase as needed.
- If you are prone to anxiety, be sure to discuss this with your doctor at the time of prescription: your doctor will help you set an appropriate starting dose.
- Be legal. Cannabis is regulated differently in different states, ranging from absolutely illegal to legal for recreational and/or medical use by persons over a prescribed age. Be sure you understand the laws in your state or locale, and do respect them.