2024-04-23 04:58:18
Not everyone with cancer feels the pain associated with the disease, but some do. Cancer pain takes many forms: it can be mild, aching, sharp or burning.
The pain can be constant, intermittent, mild, moderate or severe, while the intensity of pain experienced by the patient depends on a number of factors, including the type of cancer, how late it is, its location and the ability of the patient to tolerate pain.
However, most cancer pain can be controlled and pain control is an integral part of treatment. Learn regarding the causes of cancer pain, how it can be treated, and what obstacles can get in the way of adequate cancer pain relief.
Causes of Cancer Pain
The pain may be caused by the cancer itself. Pain may occur if the cancer grows and spreads to or destroys nearby tissues. As the tumor grows, it may put pressure on nerves, bones, or organs. The tumor may produce chemicals that can cause pain.
Cancer treatment can also help relieve the pain caused in these cases. However, pain can also occur as a result of cancer treatment methods, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
How to treat pain caused by cancer?
There are several ways to treat cancer pain. Your options may depend on the cause of the cancer pain and the severity of the pain the patient is experiencing. You may also need a combination of pain-relieving treatments to achieve maximum comfort. Options include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Medicines derived from opium (opioid medicines).
- Other prescription medications.
- Procedures to identify pain signals.
- Complementary therapies.
What are the reasons why you are not receiving appropriate treatment to relieve cancer pain?
Unfortunately, cancer pain often goes untreated. This can be due to many factors, including:
- Doctors’ reluctance to ask questions regarding pain or offer treatments to relieve it.
- People’s reluctance to talk regarding their pain.
- Fear of addiction to opioid medications.
- Fear of side effects.
How can you help your doctor understand your cancer pain?
Inform your doctor. If your pain interferes with your daily activities or persists, it may be helpful to track your pain by noting the following:
- How intense is the pain.
- The type of pain you feel.
- The site of the pain sensation.
- What causes the pain.
- Things that make your pain worse or less painful.
Steps you can take to ensure you receive adequate treatment
First, talk to your doctor or healthcare professional regarding your pain.
Second, you can, with the participation of your doctor, set a goal for coping with pain and monitoring the success of treatment. The doctor should monitor your pain and rate its severity using a pain scale. This goal should be to keep you comfortable. But if you feel uncomfortable, talk to your doctor.
If you don’t get answers to your questions, ask for a referral to a place qualified for pain management. All major cancer centers have pain management programs. Insurance companies usually cover the cost of medications and treatments needed to relieve pain.
1713875678
#Cancer. #tips #relieve #pain
