Cancer sufferers frequently suffer from pain.
When general practitioners and oncologists ask us to help with cancer pain management, we integrate our plans with the other practitioners and carers involved.
The kinds of pain that can occur are quite varied and can include:
- Pain from cancer that has spread to bone
- Pain from cancer stretching and squashing tissues
- Inflammation around cancer deposits
- Pain related to treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery)
People with cancer also suffer from non-cancer related pain and frequently see us about spinal pain or other common pain problems.
When general practitioners and oncologists ask us to help with cancer pain management, we integrate our plans with the other practitioners and carers involved. These practitioners may include oncologists, radiation oncologists, palliative care specialists, psychologists and sometimes surgeons. Naturally the patient and their family are central in developing management plans.
Our strategies include:
- Optimising medication use. Oncologists are experts in managing pain medications. Sometimes we are asked to help with medication optimisation.
- Pain management procedures. In rare cases can help with cancer pain. The oncologist will normally contact us about a specific pain management procedure if they think it is likely to be helpful.
- Physical therapy strategies and psychological support can also be included in the management plan where required.
