Pain management plays a vital role in helping people with cancer live more comfortably and maintain a better quality of life. Cancer pain can come from the tumor itself, pressure on nerves or organs, inflammation, or side effects of treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. A pain management team evaluates the type, source, and severity of pain to create an individualized plan. This may include carefully selected medications, such as non-opioid pain relievers, opioids when appropriate, nerve-targeting drugs, or anti-inflammatory medications, all adjusted to balance effective pain relief with minimal side effects.
Beyond medications, pain management offers specialized procedures and supportive therapies that can significantly reduce cancer-related pain. These may include nerve blocks, spinal injections, implanted pain pumps, or other interventional techniques that target pain at its source. Pain management specialists also address the emotional and psychological aspects of chronic cancer pain, often incorporating relaxation techniques, counseling support, and coordination with oncology and palliative care teams. This comprehensive approach helps patients remain more active, sleep better, and focus on treatment and meaningful daily activities rather than constant pain.
