Understanding Cancer Pain — and the New Ways We Can Treat It
Living with cancer is hard enough — living with pain from cancer or its treatment can feel overwhelming. The good news is that today, doctors have more tools than ever before to help patients control pain and improve daily life.
As an Orofacial Pain specialist, I want to share with you what cancer pain is, why it happens, and the new treatments that are giving patients hope and comfort.
Why does cancer cause pain?
Cancer pain can come from different places:
- The cancer itself pressing on bones, nerves, or organs.
- Treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation that may leave nerves sensitive or muscles sore.
- Other conditions (like arthritis or injuries) that can add to the discomfort.
Pain can feel very different from one person to another — sharp, burning, aching, or cramping. That’s why doctors always start with a detailed conversation and examination to understand your type of pain.
Common treatments (the basics)
Doctors often use a step-by-step approach:
- Simple pain relievers (like acetaminophen or anti-inflammatories) for mild pain.
- Stronger medicines, including opioids, for moderate to severe pain. These are safe when prescribed and monitored correctly.
- Nerve medicines (such as gabapentin or duloxetine) when pain is caused by nerve injury.
- Other helpful drugs, like steroids for inflammation or antidepressants that also calm nerve pain.
The goal is always to use the lowest effective dose and combine different treatments so you get relief with fewer side effects.
What’s new in cancer pain care?
Here are some of the latest advances:
🌟 Targeted bone pain treatments
For patients with cancer that has spread to the bones, new medicines called radiopharmaceuticals deliver tiny doses of radiation straight to the bone spots causing pain. They can give lasting relief, especially when pain is in many places at once.
🌟 Nerve stimulation therapies
When regular medicines don’t work, doctors can sometimes place small devices near the spine or nerves that “reset” pain signals. This is called neuromodulation (like spinal cord or dorsal root ganglion stimulation). Early results show many patients get meaningful pain relief and can lower opioid use.
🌟 Ketamine in special cases
You may have heard of ketamine as an anesthetic. In low doses, under close medical supervision, it can sometimes help people with severe cancer pain that doesn’t respond to other medicines. Some centers even use a nasal spray version in research settings.
🌟 Digital and non-drug options
- Virtual reality (VR) programs can distract the brain from pain and reduce stress.
- Counseling and relaxation techniques (like mindfulness or breathing exercises) can make pain more manageable.
- Gentle physical therapy keeps muscles strong and reduces stiffness.
🌟 Cannabinoids (medical cannabis)
Research is still ongoing. Some patients find benefit, others do not. Doctors usually recommend trying this only after standard options, and only if it’s legal and safe in your area.
What you can do
- Talk openly about your pain — never think you have to “tough it out.” Pain control is part of your treatment.
- Keep a pain diary — note when pain is worst, what it feels like, and what helps.
- Ask about options — from medicines to new therapies, your care team can explain what’s right for you.
- Include your family — loved ones can support you and help track your progress.
A message of hope
Cancer pain is real — but so is relief. With today’s advances, most people can find a treatment plan that makes life more comfortable and allows them to focus on healing, family, and what matters most.
If you or a loved one is struggling with cancer pain, please remember: you are not alone, and you don’t have to live in constant discomfort. Talk to your care team — together, you can find the right path forward.