Chronic Pain:Cancer Pain
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What You Need to Know
7 Reasons Cancer Patients Don't Talk About Pain, and Why They Should
Speaking up is the first step to getting relief
It may sound counterintuitive, but cancer patients sometimes don't tell doctors about their pain. Eugenie Obbens, MD, acting chief of the Pain and Palliative Care Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, says, "Patients really have to be taught that they should speak up if they have pain." Here are seven reasons you may not talk to your doctor, and why you should... Read More
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Cancer Pain Expert Eduardo Bruera Explains Why Patients Need to Be Honest About Their Pain
Dr. Eduardo Bruera
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Q: What can go wrong when patients don't tell doctors about their cancer pain?
A: The main problem of not reporting cancer pain is that it might be a serious problem that goes untreated. They might have a new cancer site that needs a change in the cancer treatment. A lump may be starting to pinch on nerves or the spinal cord and might need immediate treatment. By not talking about it, the patient might not take advantage of changes in treatment that might be extremely useful. Read More
A: The main problem of not reporting cancer pain is that it might be a serious problem that goes untreated. They might have a new cancer site that needs a change in the cancer treatment. A lump may be starting to pinch on nerves or the spinal cord and might need immediate treatment. By not talking about it, the patient might not take advantage of changes in treatment that might be extremely useful. Read More
ONLINE RESOURCES
The Best Websites About Managing Cancer Pain
- Site: NPR: My Cancer
- Who it's for: People looking for astute writing on cancer pain management and survival
- Why we like it: Award-winning journalist Leroy Sievers blogs about his painful experience with cancer. His writing is both moving and informed.
How Caregivers Can Be Effective Cancer Painkillers
Ways loved ones can provide critical support to people with cancer pain
Many patients turn to a loved one or close friend to help them through the debilitating effects of cancer pain and treatment. The crucial role they play in helping a cancer patient through their illness cannot be understated, but some caregivers need a little guidance on how they can be most effective... Read More
