Sometimes cancer patients have a lot of pain. It may be due to tumor growth or to nerve damage. It can result from operations and other invasive procedures. The side effects of chemotherapy and radiation and infection can be painful. When patients limit physical activity, they have muscle aches.

In most people, cancer pain can be controlled safely and effectively. Anyone who has cancer should expect good pain management throughout the course of the disease. Patients and their families should be educated so they can participate in pain control.

Pain management is very important. First, pain causes suffering. When you're in pain, you tend to be less active, have less appetite, and sleep less. This can cause further weakness. Cancer patients often lose hope when they have constant pain or new pain. They might believe that pain means their cancer is worsening. Pain control is important also in patients with stable disease. It may keep them working productively, enjoying recreation, and taking pleasure in their usual role in the family and society.

There are many ways to treat pain. These include the use of drugs and behavior strategies. For more severe pain, options include radiation, nerve blocks, and surgery.

To learn more about pain control and cancer, call the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 or the National Cancer Institute at (800) 4-CANCER.

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