Managing Cancer Pain:

Managing Cancer Pain

Cancer pain is common, but it can be managed. You deserve to be comfortable so you can rest, move, and do the things that matter to you. This guide explains why pain happens, ways to track it, options your care team might discuss, and when to call for help.

What can cause pain in people with cancer?

Pain can come from the cancer, from treatments, or from other health problems. Many people have more than one cause at the same time.

From the cancer: Tumors can press on nerves, bones, or organs; block a hollow organ (like the bowel); or cause inflammation or infection.
From treatments: Surgery pain during recovery; radiation skin irritation or bone pain; chemotherapy-related nerve pain (neuropathy), mouth sores, or muscle aches; procedures and injections.
Other conditions: Arthritis, back strain, migraines, shingles, or injuries that are not related to cancer.

Tell your oncology team about any pain, even if you think it is not related to your cancer. All pain matters.

Types of cancer pain

Nociceptive pain: From tissue injury or inflammation. It can be aching, throbbing, or cramping. It may be in skin, muscles, bones, or organs.
Neuropathic pain: From nerve injury or pressure. It can burn, tingle, feel like shocks, or cause numbness.
Breakthrough pain: A sudden flare that happens even when you take regular pain medicine.
Incident pain: Pain that starts with a certain activity, like walking or coughing.

What can you do on your own to feel better?

Avoid triggers when you can. Pace your activities. Use tools that reduce strain (like a shower chair or reacher).
Try relaxation most days: slow breathing, meditation, guided imagery, or gentle music. Even 5–10 minutes can help.
Gentle movement if your team says it’s safe: short walks, stretching, or light range-of-motion to reduce stiffness.
Comfort measures: Heat or cold packs to sore areas (protect your skin, and avoid on areas with numbness, open wounds, or after radiation unless your team says it’s okay).
Sleep and routine: Keep a regular sleep schedule and small, frequent meals if pain affects your appetite.
Prevent constipation: It can worsen pain. Drink fluids, eat fiber as tolerated, and ask your team about a bowel plan if you use opioids.

These steps are meant to support, not replace, your medical care. Check with your oncology team before starting new activities or therapies.

Track your pain so your team can help

Keeping a simple pain diary makes your visits more useful. Bring it to appointments.

Rate your pain from 0 to 10 (0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain).
Where is it? Note the spot and if it spreads.
What does it feel like? Aching, burning, stabbing, cramping, pressure, or throbbing.
When does it happen? Time of day, how long it lasts, and what triggers it.
What helps? Rest, position, relaxation, or medicines. Include how long relief lasts.
Side effects: Sleepiness, nausea, constipation, or others.
Impact: Sleep, mood, movement, appetite, work, or social time.

Medicines your team may discuss

Your oncology team may use one medicine or a combination. The goal is steady control with options for flares. Always follow your team’s instructions.

Opioids: Medicines that reduce moderate to severe pain. They may be long-acting (for all-day control) or fast-acting (for breakthrough pain). Forms include pills, liquids, patches, or under-the-tongue/nose options.
Non-opioids: Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help, depending on your labs and other conditions. Your team will advise what is safe for you.
Medicines for nerve or bone pain: Some antidepressants, anti-seizure medicines, steroids, and bone-strengthening medicines can target certain pain types.
Topicals and local treatments: Numbing gels or patches, or injections near a painful area.

People often take a long-acting opioid on a schedule to prevent pain, plus a fast-acting dose for breakthrough pain. If your relief does not last to the next dose, tell your team. There are many options.

Safety and side effects

Take medicines exactly as prescribed. Do not crush or split long-acting pills. Do not mix with alcohol or other sedating drugs unless your team says it’s safe.
Common side effects: Constipation, sleepiness, nausea, itching, and dry mouth. Report side effects early so your team can help.
Tolerance and dependence: Your body may need higher doses over time or feel withdrawal if a medicine is stopped suddenly. This is expected and is not the same as addiction.
Addiction risk: When opioids are used for cancer pain under close care, the risk is lower, but not zero. Share any concerns with your team. They can support you.
Infection risk: Long-term opioid use may raise infection risk for some people. Ask your team about your situation.
Safety at home: Store medicines in a locked place. Do not share. Dispose of unused pills at a take-back site or follow FDA guidance.
Driving and work: Avoid driving or risky tasks until you know how a medicine affects you.
Emergency preparedness: Ask your team if you should have naloxone at home and how to use it.

Other approaches that may help

Procedures: Nerve blocks, spinal or epidural treatments, or procedures on painful bone can target specific pain. These are options your specialists may discuss.
Physical and occupational therapy: Gentle exercise, posture training, braces, and ways to do daily tasks with less pain.
Mental health support: Counseling, coping skills, and support groups can reduce the stress that often increases pain.
Integrative therapies: Acupuncture, massage, mindfulness, relaxation, and yoga may help some people. Check safety first, especially with low platelets, blood thinners, or skin changes.

Pain care often works best with a team approach. You can ask for a referral to palliative care or a pain specialist at any time—at diagnosis, during treatment, or after.

When should I call my care team?

New pain, a big change in your pain, or pain in a new place
Pain that gets worse or does not improve with your current plan
Severe headache, chest pain, or trouble breathing
New weakness, numbness, confusion, or trouble walking
Severe belly pain, vomiting, or no bowel movement for several days
Swelling, redness, or warmth in one leg
Extreme sleepiness, very slow breathing, or hard-to-wake state

If symptoms feel life-threatening, call 911.

Your voice matters

You know your pain best. Speak up early and often. Bring a family member or friend to visits, and share your pain diary. There is no prize for “toughing it out.” The goal is for you to live as fully and comfortably as possible.

Helpful resources

American Cancer Society: Managing Cancer Pain

Last reviewed: 2025-10-23