Many people with cancer do not have pain, as cancers don't have any nerves. For those who do struggle, the pain comes from a tumour pressing on nearby nerves. Pain is very personal, and everyone’s experience with pain is different. Two people with the same type of cancer may have different amounts of pain.
At any stage of your cancer, you have a lot to deal with. Having pain too can make things harder for you, both emotionally and physically. Pain is a very personal experience that feels different for everyone. What is painful and disturbing for one person might not affect someone else in the same way. Being in pain can affect how you think as well as feel, with some people feeling frustrated, frightened or isolated. Being in pain can make you feel stressed and emotional. It can be harder for you to deal with relationships, cope with any treatment you’re having and struggle with everyday life in general.
The best way of controlling pain depends on what's causing it. Pain can be managed using:
different medicines
non-drug treatments and complementary therapies
things you can do yourself.
The first step is to tell your doctor or specialist nurse that you have pain. Some people do not want to talk about the pain they have. They may worry that the pain means the cancer has got worse, or they may feel they are complaining and that they should accept having pain. Some may be anxious about becoming addicted to painkillers. Painkillers are also called analgesics or analgesia. There are many different types and strengths, and the type you have depends on the kind of pain you have.
Controlling pain is an important part of your care. Everyone needs different pain treatment. What works for you might not help someone else. You play an important part in making sure your pain is kept under control. Let your healthcare team know if you have pain. Be honest and tell your team how much pain you have. Then they can help you to control it.
Having an individual treatment plan to control your pain is very important. When your pain is well controlled, it will improve the way you feel. It also means you can do the things you enjoy and see other people.
There are many ways that you and your family can help to control your pain. You may have noticed that your pain seems worse if you’re anxious or worried. It often seems worse at night if you can’t sleep and there’s nothing else to distract you.
Tips to try that can help relieve your pain:
· Change your position regularly to prevent stiffness and areas of sore skin.
· Hot or cold packs can help relieve pain, but wrap them in a soft towel so they don't damage your skin.
· Watching TV, reading or chatting can help to take your mind off your aches and pains.
· Relaxation and visualisation - use tailored audio recordings or listen to some calming music and think of somewhere beautiful you'd like to be.
· Try to breathe slowly and deeply when you are tense.
· Remember not to get too tired. Visitors can be a wonderful distraction, but when you’re not well, it is often better to see people just for short periods.
People with cancer may use complementary therapies alongside their medical treatment. This can help them to feel better and improve quality of life. Complementary therapies may help you to cope better with symptoms.
Acupuncture: This involves putting fine needles into the body at particular points. The needles are left in place for a short time before the practitioner removes them.
Massage: This body therapy is a technique that applies pressure to parts of the body. A therapist uses techniques such as stroking, kneading, tapping or pressing, which aims to relax you mentally and physically.
Hypnotherapy: A qualified hypnotherapist uses hypnosis to put you into a trance-like state. This means your body is deeply relaxed, but your mind is active.
Meditation: People practise meditation to help their minds and bodies become calm and relaxed. There are different types. Most involve being still and quiet, but some involve movement.
Our latest You Tube video is a short, compassionate, ten-minute recording offering relaxation for pain and discomfort. The link is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oAGdcWFPbs