Cancer pain is an important issue both for patients and for scientists. Statistics show that 64% of cancer patients report pain at all stages of the disease, 59% experience pain during antineoplastic treatment, and 33% continue to have pain even after the completion of their radical therapy.
The very nature of the disease, as well as the cancer treatments themselves, are sources of stress for the patient. Common concerns include fear of pain, fear of dying, uncertainty about the future, and the loss of dignity and control over one’s body.
Cancer often leads to emotional despair, such as loss of social status, loss of work or income, distancing from family roles, chronic fatigue, and visible disfigurement. Feelings of anger are also common and may arise from time-consuming bureaucratic procedures or from the experience of possible insufficiency of therapies.
Today, medicine offers the means to effectively manage cancer pain, regardless of its cause or severity.
Nevertheless, it is unfortunately a common case to meet patients who are physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted—and often financially as well—due to poor information or delays in seeking appropriate care. Cancer pain, with all its psychological and social ramifications, is perhaps the problem that affects patients’ quality of life and dignity the most.
In our country in particular, access to healthcare facilities or specialized services is often limited. As a result, many patients end up receiving home care from relatives who are not always adequately informed about pain clinics or do not know how to access them.
Cancer pain may be caused by the disease itself, due to tissue or organ infiltration, but it may also be caused by the therapeutic approach, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery.
In a well-organized pain clinic, cancer pain is analyzed, recorded, and monitored. Since one of the key characteristics of cancer pain is its variability—its dynamic and evolving nature, with periods of flare-ups and remissions—frequent follow-up is essential.
The tools of modern science include a range of approaches depending on the severity of the pain and the stage of the disease, beginning with appropriate medication, from simple analgesics and anti-inflammatories to strong opioids such as morphine and fentanyl, as well as drugs targeting associated symptoms, such as antidepressants and antiepileptics.
Advances in pharmaceuticals have provided a variety of administration methods depending on the patient’s needs, from standard tablets to transdermal patches that progressively release medication.
Even in cases where the severity of pain is not fully controlled with appropriate medication or even at earlier stages when efforts are made to avoid or reduce the use of strong opioids, interventional techniques have shown impressive results.
Examples of such techniques include:
No. Cancer pain is not inevitable. With modern treatments and proper monitoring, it can be effectively controlled in most patients.
There are three main forms:
The assessment is done using special scales (e.g., from 0 to 10), as well as based on the duration, intensity, location, and character of the pain. A detailed description from the patient helps the doctor adjust the treatment appropriately.
When opioids are prescribed to cancer patients, true addiction is rare. Physical dependence or tolerance may develop, which is why discontinuation should not be abrupt. The treatment should always be regulated by a doctor.
Treatment may include:
It is pain that occurs from the damage or dysfunction of nerves due to the cancer itself or its treatment (e.g., chemotherapy). It is typically described as burning, electric shock-like, or stabbing pain and often requires specialized medication.
It is sudden, intense pain that "breaks through" the maintenance medications. In this case, the doctor may prescribe a fast-acting analgesic for immediate relief.
It is a tool where the patient records the intensity, duration, type, and factors that affect the pain. This allows the doctor to better adjust the treatment.
Yes. In addition to medication, complementary methods such as acupuncture, physiotherapy, psychological support, and palliative care can be used, always in consultation with the treating doctor.
Quality of life can be improved with proper diagnosis, as in an individualized treatment plan, and a combination of pharmacological and complementary methods. Communication with the doctor is crucial for pain relief and improving daily life.
