Controlling cancer pain- Myths & truth about it

Controlling cancer pain

Having cancer does not mean that you have to live with pain. Cancer and some of the treatments for it can cause pain. But most people who have cancer are able to manage their pain well.¹

Key points

• Cancer pain can be controlled. Only you know how you feel and how much pain you have. Tell your health care team what your pain feels like and what works and does not work.
• Don't wait for pain to get bad. Your pain medicine will work best if you use it when you first notice pain, before it becomes bad.
• The risk of becoming addicted to pain medicines is very small. Do not let this fear stop you from getting the pain relief you need.
• Other conditions need treatment, too. Part of controlling your pain is treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, or sleep problems that can make your pain worse.

Sometimes people try to live with their pain because they believe these common myths:

Myth #1: Pain is just part of cancer.

Truth: Pain can almost always be relieved if you work with your doctor to create a treatment plan that is right for you.

Myth #2: It is best to wait as long as possible between doses of pain medicine.

Truth: Pain medicine works best when you stay on top of your pain. That means not holding off treatment until the pain becomes bad. If you let the pain get bad, you may need larger doses of medicine to relieve it.

Myth #3: Pain medicines work the same for everyone.

Truth: There are many kinds of pain medicines. They are given in different amounts to different people. And they are given in different ways (for example, as pills you swallow or as a patch taped to your skin). Your treatment is based on several things, including your general makeup, other health problems you may have, and the type, stage, and location of your cancer. It is also based on how much pain makes you uncomfortable.

Myth #4: Doctors are so busy. I should not bother my doctor with my pain problems.

Truth: There is a reason you are having pain, and your doctor needs to know about it. Your pain may be an early warning of cancer growth, infection, or side effects of treatment. Talking to your doctor about your pain and what treatment works or does not work is an important part of your treatment plan. It is also important for your well-being.

Myth #5: If I whine about pain, it means I am weak. My doctor and family won't respect me if I am not tough.

Truth: Telling your doctor about your pain does not mean you are weak. It means you are being honest with your doctor. You are giving your doctor important information. No two people feel the same when they have cancer. Do not compare yourself to others.

Myth #6: If I take strong drugs like morphine, I will become addicted.

Truth: Some painkillers can cause your body to keep expecting the medicine. This is called a drug dependency. Dependency is not the same as addiction. Addiction is a behavioral disorder in which a person has a craving for the drug. This craving may not even be related to the level of pain. Addiction to pain medicine is rare if you have not had a problem with addiction in the past and you take your medicine as directed under your doctor’s care. Your body may come to expect daily doses of medicine to control the pain. But your doctor can gradually lower the amount you are taking when and if the cause of your pain is gone.

Myth #7: If I take strong pain medicine before I really need to, it might not help me when my pain gets worse.

Truth: It is much better to treat your pain when you first notice it, before it gets bad. Although you may gradually need more medicine, this is rarely a problem.