Pain lets us know something is wrong. Once we know what is causing the pain, it serves no useful purpose and should be eliminated. Children with cancer should be protected from pain as much as possible.
Pain takes energy that is better used to fight disease and to do more normal things like playing.
There are many ways we can help control pain. These are described in the next sections of the book. We know ahead of time that some things will be painful. In these cases, it is better to treat or prevent the pain before it begins. Giving pain medicine regularly, around the clock, is better than giving it only when it is needed.