Pain Management - Common Concerns

Common Concerns About Pain Treament

Cancer patients have many concerns about pain, pain medication and other treatments. Here are some of the most common.

Concern: I can only take medicine or other treatments when I actually have pain.

Fact: You should not wait until the pain becomes severe to take your medicine. Pain is easier to control when it is mild than when it is severe. You should take your pain medicine regularly and as your doctor or nurse has instructed you. This usually means taking it on a regular schedule and around-the-clock, even when you are not feeling the pain. You can also use other treatments, such as relaxation and breathing exercises, and hot and cold packs, as often as you want to.

Concern: I will become "hooked on" or "addicted to" pain medicine.

Fact: Studies show that getting "hooked on" or "addicted to" pain medicine for cancer pain is very rare. Remember, it is important to take pain medicine regularly to keep the pain under control.

Concern: If I take too much medicine, it will stop working.

Fact: The medicine will not stop working. But sometimes your body will get used to the medicine. This is called tolerance. Tolerance is not usually a problem with cancer pain treatment because the amount of medicine can be adjusted or other medicines can be added. Cancer pain can be relieved, so don't deny yourself pain relief now.

Concern: If I complain too much, I am not being a good patient.

Fact: Controlling your pain is an important part of your care. Tell your doctors and nurses if you have pain, if your pain is getting worse, or if you are taking pain medicine and it is not working. They can help you to get relief from your pain.