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Cancer pain: Relief is possible
When should you discuss cancer pain with your doctor, and what points should you bring up?
What are the side effects of cancer pain treatment, and what can you do about them?
Content
What causes cancer pain?
How do you treat cancer pain?
What are some reasons for not receiving adequate treatment for cancer pain?
How can you help your doctor understand your cancer pain?
What steps can you take to ensure you're receiving adequate cancer pain treatment?
What steps can you take to ensure you're receiving adequate cancer pain treatment?
First, talk to your doctor or health care provider about your pain.
Second, you and your doctor can set a goal for pain management and monitor the success of the treatment. Your doctor should track the pain with a pain scale, assessing how strong it is. The goal should be to keep you comfortable. If you aren't comfortable, talk to your doctor.
If you're not getting the answers you need, request a referral to a facility skilled in the care of pain. All major cancer centers have pain management programs. The medications and treatment for pain are generally covered by standard insurance.
