Pain is one of the most common symptoms in people with cancer.
It can be caused by cancer itself, cancer treatment, or a combination of both.
Tumors, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and even diagnostic procedures may cause pain.
Younger people tend to have more pain flares than older adults.
People with advanced cancer often have more severe pain, and pain may continue even after treatment ends.
Tumor-related: Growth into or destruction of nearby tissues, pressure on nerves, bones, or organs.
Chemical-related: Tumors can release substances that trigger pain.
Treatment-related: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, bisphosphonates, injections, diagnostic tests.
Your doctor may use a combination of treatments to control pain.
Over-the-counter pain relievers (for mild–moderate pain): Aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
Opioid medications (for moderate–severe pain):
Short-acting (fast relief, taken more often).
Long-acting (slower relief, longer lasting).
Sometimes both are combined.
Other prescription drugs: Antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, steroids.
Nerve block procedures: Local numbing injections to stop pain signals.
Integrative therapies: Acupuncture, massage, physiotherapy, relaxation, meditation, hypnosis.
Medical marijuana: Available in some places for cancer pain.
⚠️ All medicines may have side effects. Work closely with your doctor to adjust doses safely.
Doctors may not ask about pain or may lack training in pain management.
Concerns about opioid misuse may make doctors cautious.
Patients may not report pain due to:
Fear that it means cancer is worsening.
Worry about being seen as “complainers.”
Concerns about cost.
Fear of addiction: Addiction risk is low when opioids are used as prescribed for cancer pain.
Tolerance vs addiction: Needing higher doses over time is tolerance, not addiction.
Keep a pain diary noting:
Severity (0–10 scale).
Type of pain (stabbing, dull, achy, burning).
Location of pain.
What brings pain on or makes it worse.
What helps relieve pain (medicines, massage, hot/cold packs, relaxation).
Side effects of treatments.
Cancer pain can almost always be reduced or managed.
A mix of medications, therapies, and open communication with your doctor offers the best relief.
Never hesitate to report pain — you deserve comfort and quality of life during and after treatment.
