Having cancer does not mean you will have pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, only one in every three patients being treated for cancer experiences pain. The pain your feel due to cancer can changes as you under go treatment and your cancer progresses. Constant pain is most often associated with late stage cancer. It is not uncommon to feel no pain or only mild pain if your cancer is still in an early stage.
Features
The pain you may feel from cancer varies by patient. They type and severity of pain depends on several factors. The stage, location and treatment given all contribute to the type of pain you feel. Cancer pain can be constant or intermittent and mild, moderate or server. Pain can be described as dull, aching, sharp or as a feeling of pressure.
Causes of Pain
Cancer pain can be caused by the cancer and by your treatments. Cancer causes pain as it grows into and destroys nearby tissues. Pressure form growing cancer tumors can put pressure on your nerves, bones and organs. Treatments like surgery, radiation and chemotherapy can cause pain. Your surgery site and wound may be painful for a while as it heals. Radiation can cause a burning sensation and can leave painful scars. Chemotherapy can cause side effects that cause pain.
Effects
Cancer pain can be very disruptive to your everyday life. Pain can make sleeping difficult which can lead to fatigue. Cancer pain can also make it hard to eat or move. Pain can cause irritability, depressions, anger, frustration and stress.
Solutions
When pain is caused by cancer the best solution is to remove the source of the pain. Surgery to remove cancerous growths can stop the pain those growths cause. Medications can also be used to help manage cancer pain. Analgesics like aspirin and non steroidal anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen are common over the counter options. Prescriptions for weak opiods like codeine and strong opiods like methadone can be provided by your doctor.
Considerations
The best way to treat cancer pain is to have a plan in place before the pain becomes too severe. Talk to your doctor about your pain management options. Make a plan for your pain management and develop goals to help guide your use of pain medication.
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