Pain (General)
Pain During Treatment
Pain can show up in different ways during cancer treatment. It may feel sharp, dull, achy, or come and go. It’s your body’s way of saying something needs attention, and it’s important to listen.
There are many causes of pain during treatment, and just as many ways to help relieve it. If you’re experiencing pain, speak up. Your care team can work with you to find options that help, whether that’s medication, physical therapy, or other supportive techniques.
Common Causes of Pain During Treatment
- Side effects of treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery
- The cancer itself, for example if a tumor presses on a bone or organ
- Injuries, like a strain, sprain, or fracture
- Other health issues not related to cancer, like arthritis
If pain is new, worsening, or interfering with daily activities, let your care team know. It is important that your team understands the cause(s) of your pain, so that they may treat it appropriately.
Why Pain Management Matters
- Pain can affect your sleep, mood, energy, and ability to get through treatment.
- You don’t have to “tough it out.” There are many tools that can help.
- Your cancer treatment is important and your care team may be able to help you manage pain without stopping treatment.
- Pain control is personal. The right plan for you might include more than one approach.
Talk to Your Care Team
If you’re in pain, tell your medical team. Be honest, even if it feels awkward. Your care team can help you find the best way to feel more comfortable. Some treatment options may include:
- Pain-relief medications
- Physical therapy
- Complementary options like massage or acupuncture
- Radiation therapy (for people with metastatic breast cancer)
Why Everyone Feels Pain Differently
Pain is not just physical. It’s shaped by your body and mind. Things that affect how you experience pain include:
- Your past experiences with pain
- Your beliefs and fears
- Your emotions and mood
- Other medications or substances
- Your physical and genetic makeup
Pain is real—and valid—even if it doesn’t show up the same way for someone else. You deserve support and relief.
Track Your Pain
Keeping a simple pain diary can help you and your care team spot patterns and find better solutions. Write down:
- When the pain starts ______
- On a scale of 1 to 10, where “10” is the most and “1” is the least, I feel this much pain ________
- How long it lasts ____________
- What it feels like (sharp, burning, aching, etc.) ________
- What seems to help ____________
- What makes it worse _____________
- Any daily activities that pain interferes with ______________
Pain Management Options
The goal of pain management is to reduce your discomfort so you can stay as active and comfortable as possible. Your cancer care team may recommend a combination of approaches, such as medication, medical procedures, radiation, and complementary therapies. Let them know how your pain feels so they can find the best strategy for you.
Pain Medications
Pain-Relief Procedures
In some cases, other treatments or procedures can help control pain. Pain Management Specialists perform nerve blocks and epidural/intrathecal pain medicine procedures. Speak to your provider about getting a referral, if needed.
Complementary Therapies
Ask your cancer care team about integrating these non-medication options into your pain plan:
Frequently Asked Questions About Opioid (Narcotic) Pain Medicines
Will I become addicted to opioid pain medicine?
Can I become dependent on pain medicine over time?
If I take pain medicine now, will it still work later?
Are opioids only used at the end of life?
Will my pain medicine cost too much?
Can too much Tylenol (acetaminophen) hurt my liver?
What if my pain isn’t getting better with my current plan?
Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Nurse About Pain
Bringing notes to your appointment can help you better understand your options and stay in control of your care. Consider jotting down the following:
- What kind of pain should I call you about?
- What do you think is causing this pain?
- What can I do at home to help manage the pain?
- What medications are recommended for me?
- What are the possible side effects of this medicine? How long might they last?
- If my pain isn’t getting better, can I meet with a pain specialist?
When to Call for Help
Reach out to your care team immediately or seek urgent medical attention if any of the following occur:
- New or worsening pain that doesn’t improve with your current plan
- The sudden appearance of symptoms like fever, chills, or a rash
- Side effects from pain medications, such as:
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty having a bowel movement (constipation)
- Confusion, disorientation, or unusual sleepiness
