Cancer Pain: How to Find Relief

Dr. Boris Wydoff

Cancer pain can be relieved with properly selected pain medication and additional supportive methods. It is important to identify the type of discomfort, assess its intensity, and work with your treating specialist to choose the right approach. If pain appears suddenly, take these steps:

1. Note when the pain started. Write down where it hurts, what the pain feels like, and what was happening before it began.

2. Assess the intensity. Use a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 means no pain and 10 means the worst pain you can imagine.

3. Take your previously prescribed pain medication according to your individual treatment plan. Do not increase the dose or switch medications on your own.

4. Find a comfortable position. Reduce physical activity, create a calm environment, and try breathing slowly with your belly.

5. Record the result. Note how much the pain decreased after taking the medication and how long it took for relief to begin.

If the episode is unusual, the pain gets worse quickly, or it comes with worrying symptoms, seek medical attention. If your prescribed medication is not providing enough relief, tell your treating oncologist. Pain management can be adjusted to help you tolerate treatment more comfortably and maintain your usual activities.

Why Does Cancer Cause Pain?

Cancer does not always cause pain. Some people go through treatment with almost no pain, while others experience constant or occasional discomfort. Much depends on the location of the tumor, how it affects surrounding tissues, and the type of treatment being given.

Doctors identify several main causes. A tumor may press on nerve endings and other structures in the body. Pain can also occur because of tissue damage or the effects of medical procedures.

Another cause is cancer treatment itself. After surgery, the tissues around the surgical site may hurt. Some medications can damage mucous membranes, cause skin reactions, and lead to peripheral neuropathy — a disorder of nerve function that can cause unpleasant sensations.

That is why pain does not always mean the disease is progressing. Sometimes it is related to the effects of treatment, while in other cases it has an entirely different cause. A doctor can help determine what is happening after an examination and any necessary tests.

Having a cancer diagnosis does not mean a person is destined to suffer severe pain. Modern pain management methods help many patients reduce discomfort and improve their everyday lives.

What Does Cancer Pain Feel Like, and What Types Are There?

Pain can feel very different from one person to another. One person may describe it as a dull ache or heaviness, while another may experience burning, shooting sensations, or sharp attacks. The type of pain matters, as do its duration, intensity, and location.

Doctors generally distinguish between several types.

• Acute pain. Appears suddenly, can be quite intense, and is often linked to a specific event, such as surgery or tissue damage.
• Chronic pain. Lasts for a long time, sometimes constantly and sometimes with periods of relief.
• Breakthrough pain. A sudden, severe episode that occurs even when a person is taking pain medication regularly.
• Neuropathic pain. Related to nerve damage or impaired nerve function. It may feel like burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting sensations.

What does cancer pain actually feel like? There is no single characteristic sensation. For example, when cancer affects bone tissue, a person may experience a deep, aching pain. When nerves are involved, the pain may feel like burning or shooting sensations.

With intestinal tumors, pain may sometimes come with cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel movements. Breast cancer may cause discomfort in the breast or underarm area. Stomach cancer may cause unpleasant sensations in the upper abdomen.

Lung cancer can cause chest pain and discomfort when breathing. With pancreatic tumors, pain may sometimes be felt in the upper abdomen and spread to the back.

Headaches in people with cancer can also have different causes. They may be related to treatment, dehydration, other medical conditions, or involvement of the nervous system. Any new, unusual, or worsening headache should be reported to your treating specialist.

The nature and location of pain help doctors understand what is happening, but they do not establish the cause on their own.

What Really Helps Relieve Cancer Pain?

The main goal is to choose pain relief that matches the cause and intensity of the discomfort. There is no single medication that works for every patient. Doctors take into account the diagnosis, current treatment, other medical conditions, and medications the patient is already taking.

Cancer pain may be managed using a stepwise approach based on recommendations from the World Health Organization. This involves gradually adjusting pain treatment according to how severe the pain is.

For mild pain, non-opioid pain relievers may be used. If they do not provide enough relief, the doctor may consider other options, including a combination of medications from different groups. Opioid pain relievers may be prescribed for moderate to severe pain. For severe pain, the doctor selects strong opioids and additional medications based on the individual situation.

The medication schedule matters just as much as the choice of medication. For constant pain, pain relief is usually arranged on a regular schedule so that you do not have to wait for severe discomfort to return. Your doctor may also prescribe a separate medication for sudden breakthrough pain.

Do not skip prescribed doses. After taking medication, rate your pain on a scale from 0 to 10 and note when relief begins. If the pain does not decrease within the expected time for that particular medication, continues to worsen, or quickly returns, contact your medical team. Do not take an extra dose unless your treatment plan specifically allows it.

There are also additional ways to support pain management.

Breathing exercises. Sit or lie down comfortably and place one hand on your stomach. Slowly breathe in through your nose, allowing your stomach to rise, then gently breathe out through your mouth. Continue for a few minutes without holding your breath or trying to inhale too deeply. This practice can help you relax and reduce tension during a pain episode.

Psychological support and relaxation. Anxiety, tension, and fear can make pain feel more intense. Gentle breathing exercises, meditation, and working with a psychologist can help people cope better with emotional stress.

Acupuncture. In some cases, this method is used as an additional way to reduce discomfort. Discuss whether it is suitable with your oncologist beforehand, especially if you have changes in blood clotting or low blood cell counts.

Distraction. Music, an interesting book, watching a movie, or talking with loved ones can help take your mind off unpleasant sensations. These activities do not remove the cause of pain, but they may make it easier to cope with.

Maintaining manageable activity levels. If your condition allows, gentle walks and light everyday activities can help you maintain your usual routine. Adjust your activity to how you feel.

Keeping a pain diary is useful. Divide a notebook into separate sections:

• date and time the discomfort begins;
• where the pain is located;
• type of pain: aching, burning, sharp, or shooting;
• intensity on a scale from 0 to 10;
• duration of the episode;
• name of the prescribed medication and time it was taken;
• pain relief results and any possible side effects.

Fill in your diary whenever pain occurs and after taking medication. Show your notes to your doctor during appointments. They make it easier to assess how well your treatment is working, identify recurring episodes, and determine whether your pain management plan needs to be adjusted.

How Do Diet and Everyday Habits Affect Your Well-Being?

During cancer treatment, the body is under additional stress. Nausea, changes in taste, inflammation of the lining of the mouth, and digestive problems can make it difficult to eat as usual. As a result, some people lose their appetite, drink less, and gradually lose weight.

Diet does not replace pain medication or cancer treatment. However, a balanced diet helps maintain strength and cope with treatment. It is especially important to avoid prolonged fasting and experimenting with strict dietary restrictions.

Try to choose foods that you can tolerate well at the moment. If regular meals cause nausea or discomfort, ask your doctor and dietitian for dietary advice.

Your diet may include:

• vegetables and fruits, if you tolerate them well;
• porridge and other familiar sources of carbohydrates;
• legumes and other suitable sources of plant protein;
• foods that provide your body with the energy and nutrients it needs.

If you have a poor appetite, do not turn every meal into a struggle. Discuss ways to maintain adequate nutrition with your medical team, especially if you are losing a noticeable amount of weight.

Do not forget to drink enough fluids. Not getting enough fluids can make you feel worse, increase weakness, and contribute to dehydration. If your doctor has restricted your fluid intake because of another medical condition, follow their recommendations.

Sleep and rest matter too. Constant pain can make it difficult to fall asleep, and lack of sleep can increase fatigue and emotional stress. Try to create a calm environment before bedtime, and tell your specialist if pain regularly interferes with your sleep.

My Advice: My Approach to Supporting People with Cancer

I am Dr. Boris Wydoff, and I have spent more than fifty years working on natural approaches to restoring health. In my book *Victory Over Cancer*, I look at the body as one interconnected system rather than a collection of separate organs. My observations on supporting people with serious illnesses focus primarily on their overall condition, emotional outlook, and individual needs.

First, do not look at pain separately from the body's overall condition. In my books, I write: "We need to treat the person, not the symptom of the disease." I believe that well-being is connected to how different organs and systems function, as well as to nutrition and the body's overall condition. That is why I consider it important to look at each case individually rather than search for one remedy for every symptom of illness. When it comes to cancer pain, this means considering not only where a person hurts, but also their overall well-being, diet, sleep, and ability to tolerate treatment.

Second, do not face a serious illness alone. I repeat this point in my books: "If you have a serious illness, do not face it alone." In my experience, it is important for people to receive attention that takes their individual situation into account and not try to experiment with recovery methods on their own. When dealing with cancer pain, it is especially important to report new sensations, changes in well-being, and inadequate pain relief.

Third, pay attention to your emotional well-being. In my books, I write about the power of the mind and how anxiety affects the body. I associate constant tension with additional stress on the body. That is why I believe it is important not to withdraw into fear, but to remain calm and accept support from loved ones. Talking with family, getting psychological support, and enjoying peaceful activities can all become part of everyday support during treatment.

Fourth, think of the body as a whole. I believe we should never overlook a person's overall condition when dealing with a serious illness. In my naturopathic approach, nutrition, movement, rest, and emotional well-being are considered interconnected. That is why it is important to pay attention to how a person sleeps, eats, handles physical activity, and recovers after medical procedures.

My observations concern supporting well-being and quality of everyday life, not treating cancer independently. Pain management, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other medical treatments remain the foundation of cancer care.

What to Avoid During Chemotherapy Without Your Doctor's Approval

Some familiar foods and natural supplements can change how anticancer medications work. That is why even products sold in health food stores or considered natural remedies are not always safe during treatment.

Pay particular attention to the following foods and substances.

St. John's wort. This herb can affect the enzymes involved in processing medications. As a result, the concentration of some anticancer drugs in the body may decrease or change unpredictably. Do not take St. John's wort as tea, tincture, capsules, or extract without your oncologist's approval.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Certain compounds in this fruit interact with enzymes involved in drug metabolism. For some anticancer medications, this can change their concentration in the body. During treatment, ask your doctor whether grapefruit is safe with your particular treatment plan.

High doses of antioxidants. Supplements containing concentrated doses of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and other antioxidant substances should not be taken on your own during chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Some cancer treatments work through processes that cause oxidative damage to cells, so additional antioxidants may affect treatment results.

Herbal concentrates and extracts. They contain higher amounts of active compounds than ordinary food products. Their interactions with medications can be unpredictable, so any such products must be discussed with your doctor beforehand.

However, ordinary fruits and vegetables are not automatically prohibited. You do not need to give up all plant foods just because certain supplements can interact with medications.

The main rule is simple: before using any herb or supplement or changing your diet, tell your oncologist. Do not stop prescribed medications or replace them with natural remedies.

When to See a Doctor

Some symptoms in people with cancer require immediate medical attention. You need to be especially careful during chemotherapy, when the body's defenses may be weakened.

Call emergency services or seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience:

• a temperature of 38 °C or higher or chills during chemotherapy — contact your oncologist or 24-hour medical service immediately;
• severe shortness of breath or sudden difficulty breathing;
• chest pain or pressure;
• swelling in a leg, especially if accompanied by pain;
• fainting or loss of consciousness;
• a rapid heartbeat, especially if you feel significantly worse;
• blood in your stool or vomit;
• black, tar-like stools;
• vomiting that continues for more than 24 hours;
• an inability to drink because of nausea or vomiting.

If you develop a temperature of 38 °C or higher or chills during chemotherapy, do not try to bring the fever down on your own and wait for your condition to improve. Contact your oncologist immediately for instructions on what to do next.

When should you contact your oncologist soon?

Do not delay seeking medical advice if you develop new pain that you have not experienced before. The same applies if familiar discomfort becomes more intense, changes in character, or starts occurring more frequently.

Tell your doctor if your prescribed pain medication has stopped working. Do not increase or decrease the dose or stop taking the medication completely on your own. Sometimes the medication needs to be changed or another method of pain control added.

Be sure to report any side effects from pain medication. Constipation, nausea, drowsiness, and other unpleasant reactions may require separate adjustments. You should also seek help if pain interferes with sleep, movement, eating, or your usual daily activities. Do not wait until it becomes unbearable.

Headaches also require medical assessment, especially if they are new or getting worse. If a headache is accompanied by vision problems, weakness in the limbs, confusion, or other sudden neurological symptoms, emergency medical attention is necessary.

Pain management is an essential part of cancer care. Patients can discuss how they feel with their medical team and ask for a more suitable pain relief plan.

Learn more about my approach to this subject on the "Oncology" page.

Boris Wydoff — naturopath and author, Ph.D. in nutrition. For over fifty years I have helped people restore health through nutrition, cleansing and the power of the mind — in Europe, America and Asia. About the author →

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