Effective Treatment and Management of Cancer Pain: Causes, Treatment Options, and How to Advocate for Proper Pain Relief

Not everyone with cancer feels the pain associated with the disease, but some accept the pain caused by cancer in many forms, because it can be small , painful, sharp, or burning.

The pain can be constant, intermittent, mild, moderate, or severe, while the amount of pain the patient feels depends on several factors, including the type of cancer , how long it is, where it is, and the patient’s ability to tolerate pain.

However, most cancer pain can be controlled, and pain control is an essential part of treatment. Learn about the causes of cancer pain, how it can be treated, and what barriers there may be to adequate cancer pain relief.

Causes of cancer pain

Pain can be caused by the cancer itself. Pain can occur if cancer grows and spreads to or destroys nearby tissue. As the tumor grows, it can press on nerves, bones or organs. The tumor can produce chemicals that can cause pain.

Cancer treatment can also help relieve the pain it causes in these cases. However, pain may also occur as a result of cancer treatment methods, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.

How do you treat pain caused by cancer?

There are several ways to treat cancer pain. Your options may depend on the cause of the cancer pain and the severity of the pain the patient is feeling. You may also need a combination of pain relief treatments to achieve maximum comfort. Options include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Medicines derived from opium (opioid drugs).
• Other medical treatments.
• Techniques to identify pain symptoms.
• Complementary therapies.

What are the reasons for not getting adequate treatment to get rid of cancer pain?

Unfortunately, cancer pain is often left untreated. This can be due to a number of factors, including:

• Willingness of doctors to ask about pain or give treatments to reduce it.
• People’s willingness to describe their pain.
• Addiction to opioid drugs is feared.
• Fear of side effects.

How can you help your doctor understand your cancer pain?

Tell your doctor If your pain interferes with your daily activities or is persistent, it may help to keep track of your pain by writing down the following:

• How bad is the pain?
• The type of pain you are experiencing.
• The site where you feel pain.
• What causes pain.
• Things that make your pain worse or better.

Steps you can take to ensure you receive appropriate treatment

First, talk to your doctor or health care provider about your pain.

Secondly, you can, with the involvement of your doctor, set a goal to deal with the pain and monitor the success of the treatment. The doctor should monitor your pain and assess its severity using a pain scale. This goal should keep you comfortable. But if you feel uncomfortable, talk to your doctor.

If you don’t get answers to your questions, ask to be referred to a certified pain management facility All major cancer centers have pain management programs. Insurance companies usually cover the cost of medications and treatments needed to relieve pain.