But the literature shows we're no where near achieving that. Effective treatment of cancer generally relieves associated pain, but in some cases, it cannot be eradicated and pain becomes a persistent problem. Palliative care, including pain management, should be provided with the same dedication and precision used for stopping the disease. As an emerging speciality, palliative medicine focuses on relieving symptoms and pain through medications, nerve blocks, behavioral methods and counseling. A tumor pressing on a nerve, surgery or radiation, infection or depression and anxiety may cause pain.
Cancer pain is a complete subjective phenomenon, and everyone's pain threshold is different.
A physician's first concern should be the patient's comfort. Last updated May 16, 2000. Specific advice on diagnosing or treating a health care problem should be obtained from your health care provider. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.