NCUK Virtual Patient Handbook

Mythbusters: Pain

Myth #1 - Cancer-related pain is inevitable

Pain is not inevitable. Is it likely? Maybe. Research about patient experiences, has shown that whilst more than two-thirds of people, living with cancer, experience pain at some point leading up to or after diagnosis - the type and degree of pain varies significantly - as do the causes. More than 25%, even at a very advanced stage of cancer, say they have experienced little or no pain at all.

Myth #2 - There’s nothing that can be done to relieve cancer-related pain

There are a range of options to help treat cancer-related pain - doctors can choose from a wide range of pain relief medications, therapies / techniques, that can help - depending on the type and severity of pain. Good communication between you and your care team is vital to ensure that a full assessment is undertaken to understand the root causes of your pain and how it is experienced - so that the right approach and intervention(s) are agreed upon to help you to relieve and manage your pain.

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