Cancer Pain Management: Alleviating a Silent Struggle
Cancer pain has been described as a highly distressing symptom that is however frequently under-recognised and undertreated. And for some, the physical torment has been multiplied by emotional and psychological stress that not only encumbers the patient but their families and carers too.
In this blog, we discuss the origin of cancer pain, how it affects people and why it is often inadequately treated. Most importantly, we underscore successful solutions to reduce pain and enhance quality of life.
Understanding Cancer Pain
a. What Causes Cancer Pain?
Cancer-related pain is of multiple origins. Tumours that touch bones, nerves, or organs, on the other hand, may cause severe pain. What’s more, treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery can lead to side effects including nerve damage (neuropathy) or post-surgery pain.
b. Types of Cancer Pain
- Acute vs. Chronic Pain: Chronic pain is the long-term equivalent of acute pain, which is short-term and usually related to a procedure.
- Breakthrough Pain – Sharp, intense episodes even though you’ve already taken pain medication.
- Neuropathic Pain – Often characterised as burning or shooting pain, it occurs as a result of nerve damage.
The more we can appreciate these differences, the better we can tailor treatments for better relief.
The Impact of Cancer Pain
a. On Patients
Pain that is not kept at bay interrupts sleep, appetite, and mobility; the body is weakened even further. It also increases anxiety and depression, making coping with cancer all that more difficult.
b. On Families and Caregivers
Seeing a loved one in agony and feeling powerless is heartbreaking. Pain management can be a burden for carers and impact their health.
Why Cancer Pain Often Goes Undermanaged
Even with existing therapies, a significant number of patients do not achieve adequate pain control for reasons including:
a. Barriers by Providers
- Under-evaluation – The intensity of the pain can sometimes be underestimated.
- Unskilled – Pain isn’t all that some clinicians do.
b. Barriers from Patients
- Study authors wrote that myths about opioids could cause some to avoid the medicines.
- Fear of reporting pain – Some think that pain is part of the disease and should be accepted or have a reluctance to ‘bother’ their doctor.
c. Systemic Barriers
- Differential practice–Analgesia between providers.
- Restricted availability – No specialist pain clinics were available in all areas.
Approaches to Cancer Pain Management
a. Medications and Therapies
- For moderate to severe pain, use opioids (e.g., morphine).
- Combinations based on paracetamol, NSAIDs for mild pain.
- Nerve pain and these are the adjuvant medications (e.g., antidepressants, anticonvulsants) I can keep in my pouch with my nerve pain.
- Interventional therapies for specific pain alleviation, such as spinal injections or nerve blocks.
b. Non-Pharmacological Approaches
- Any physical therapy to regain mobility.
- Acupuncture and stress reduction relaxation techniques.
- Emotional support for dealing with mental distress.
c. Supportive and Palliative Care
When to Seek Help
If pain:
- Affects range of normal activities to some extent
- Worsens despite medication
- Causes severe distress
…it’s time to see a specialist. The personalisation of pain management programmes is key to achieving effective pain relief.
Conclusion
Cancer pain should never be suffered in silence. A comprehensive approach, centred on the patient and including medication, therapy and emotional support, can also make a world of difference. Clear communication between patients and physicians is critical to managing pain effectively.
If you or a loved one is dealing with cancer pain, get expert help today. Hope is available and at Chase Lodge Hospital we are here to help you through every step.
