Cancer is a life-altering diagnosis that brings with it not just physical challenges, but emotional and psychological burdens. Among the most distressing symptoms experienced by patients is cancer-related pain. Whether it’s due to the disease itself or the treatment process, cancer pain can deeply affect a person’s quality of life.
Understanding the nature of this pain and how it can be effectively managed is the first step toward relief and improved well-being.
What Is Cancer Pain?
Cancer pain refers to any discomfort directly or indirectly associated with cancer. It can result from:
- Tumor growth, which may press on bones, nerves, or organs
- Metastasis (spread of cancer), particularly to bones or other sensitive structures
- Treatment side effects, such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy
- Post-surgical or chronic pain syndromes, like post-mastectomy pain or chemotherapy-induced neuropathy
Cancer pain can be acute (short-term), chronic (lasting more than 3 months), or breakthrough pain—a sudden flare of pain despite ongoing treatment.
Types of Cancer Pain
Understanding the type of pain a patient is experiencing is important to determine proper treatment. The main types include:
1. Nociceptive Pain
This type arises from tissue damage. It can be:
- Somatic pain: Sharp or aching pain from skin, muscles, or bones
- Visceral pain: Deep, pressure-like pain from internal organs
2. Neuropathic Pain
This is caused by nerve injury or dysfunction, either from the cancer itself or treatments like chemotherapy. Patients may describe it as:
- Burning
- Tingling
- Electric-shock-like
- Pins and needles
Neuropathic pain is often more difficult to treat and may require specialised approaches.
How Common Is Cancer Pain?
Pain is a common experience for people with cancer, including:
- Patients undergoing active treatment experience pain
- In advanced cancer, this number can rise even more Pain may persist even in cancer survivors, particularly those with nerve damage from treatment
The good news is: most cancer pain can be managed effectively with the right combination of therapies and specialist care.
Why Managing Cancer Pain Matters
Pain is more than just a physical symptom. It can disrupt sleep and daily activities, cause anxiety or depression, weaken the immune system, reduce appetite and strength, and negatively affect treatment outcomes.
Uncontrolled pain diminishes not only quality of life but also the will and ability to fight the disease. That’s why pain management is now considered a central part of comprehensive cancer care.
Treatment Options for Cancer Pain
An effective pain management plan is personalised and often multidisciplinary. Common options include:
1. Medications
- Non-opioid analgesics (e.g., paracetamol, NSAIDs)
- Opioids – sometimes used for moderate to severe pain
- Adjuvant medications such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants – especially for neuropathic pain
2. Nerve Blocks & Interventional Pain Techniques
- Epidural or spinal infusions
- Peripheral nerve blocks
- Celiac plexus block (especially useful in abdominal cancers)
These methods can offer long-term relief when medications alone are not enough.
3. Radiotherapy
Targeted radiation can shrink tumors pressing on nerves or bones, thereby reducing pain.
4. Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be performed to remove tumors that are causing severe pain.
5. Complementary Therapies
- Physiotherapy
- Acupuncture
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
- Psychological counseling
These are supporting therapies that can be effective adjuncts to medical treatment.
When to See a Pain Specialist
If you're experiencing persistent, worsening, or poorly controlled pain despite treatment, it's time to consult a pain specialist. These doctors are trained in advanced techniques and can tailor treatment plans for complex pain syndromes. Early intervention often results in better outcomes and less reliance on strong medications.
Whether you're in the midst of treatment, navigating recovery, or living with chronic pain after cancer, you deserve comfort, dignity, and support.
If you or a loved one is dealing with cancer-related pain, contact our clinic today to schedule a consultation with a pain specialist who understands your needs and is ready to help you regain more control of your life.