Oncology, or the study and treatment of cancer, is a major concern among Canadians of all ages, and we're here to help with the administration of cancer drugs and treatments. Your pharmacist can provide oncology medications and advice to help manage the pain.
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People with cancer often feel severe or constant pain. The pain they experience depends on the type of cancer they have, the stage the disease is at, and the therapy they receive. Approximately 40% of people undergoing treatment for cancer experience pain at some point, though this percentage tends to increase depending on the severity and curability of the cancer.
Cancer pain can be defined as a complex sensation that reflects both damage to the body and the body's response to the damage. Although doctors agree that controlling cancer pain is a high priority, pain isn't always understood or treated properly.
About 9 out of 10 people suffering from cancer pain find pain relief through medication therapy. Pain control is extremely important, not only for people suffering from advanced cancer, but also for those whose condition may remain stable for years to come.
Physical cancer pain has 2 sources:
Nociceptive pain refers to pain relayed by nerves with the job of conveying damage in a part of the body. The pain is usually felt as aching or pressure – most cancer pain feels like this.
Neuropathic (nerve) pain refers to pain caused by damage inside the nervous system. The pain is usually felt as sharp, shooting or stabbing sensations.
Cancer-related pain is often a combination of different types of pain. It can also be made worse by the fear of pain itself or of getting sicker. People can experience intense short-term acute pain or long-term chronic pain from cancer. The pain can also be part of a cancer pain syndrome, which can be caused by tumours that:
If you're taking medication(s) for cancer pain, your pharmacist can help you manage symptoms and side effects, review your medications, and more.
Physical cancer pain has 2 sources:
Experience of pain is often a combination of different types of pain. It can also be made worse by the fear of pain itself or of getting sicker. People can experience intense short-term acute pain or long-term chronic pain from cancer. The pain can also be part of a cancer pain syndrome, which can be caused by tumours that:
Cancer pain can be described as dull aching, pressure, burning, or tingling. The type of pain often gives clues about the sources of the pain. For example, pain caused by damage to nerves is usually described as burning or tingling, whereas pain affecting internal organs is often described as a sensation of pressure.
The type of pain someone experiences also says a lot about their cancer. Pain and changes in pain can precede other signs of disease or complications months in advance. The way someone feels pain might be the only tip-off to a potentially life-threatening condition. For this reason, it's important to communicate changes in how you feel to your doctor.
Your pharmacist can help manage your pain medications, ensure proper timing and dosing, identify and manage side effects, provide advice on managing opioid-related constipation, coordinate with your oncology team, and offer support and resources throughout your treatment journey.
Taking pain medication on a regular schedule provides more consistent pain control and prevents pain from becoming severe. It avoids the anxiety of waiting for pain to worsen before taking medication. Breakthrough pain medications are used on an "as needed" basis for pain that occurs between scheduled doses.
Common side effects like nausea and drowsiness often improve over time. For constipation (a persistent side effect), your pharmacist can recommend stool softeners or laxatives. For nausea, anti-nausea medications can help. Always discuss side effects with your healthcare team - there are usually solutions available.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2025. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Cancer-Pain
