Overview
Cancer pain is a broad term for the unpleasant physical feeling some people experience when they have cancer. Damage to the body sends nerve signals to the brain, which creates the feeling of pain.
Many things can affect the way you feel pain. These may include the type of cancer, its stage, the treatment you are having, other health issues, and your attitudes and beliefs about pain.
Cancer pain can affect your wellbeing, but it can be managed with medicines, treatments and therapies. You can call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 to talk it through with our qualified professionals.
Key steps
Using pain medicines
Learn about the medicines that control pain (analgesics), which type of analgesic is suited to mild or severe pain, and tips on using your medicines safely.
Managing pain with medicines
Find out about reducing pain with medicines, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids and medicinal cannabis, and possible side effects.
Managing pain with other methods
Surgery, radiation therapy and other cancer treatments can help reduce pain. Therapies such as physiotherapy and counselling can also play an important role.
Making treatment decisions
It can be challenging to decide on how to treat cancer pain. Find out more about what to consider.
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