Cancer Care

Pain Management in Cancer Care

Although most people who are newly diagnosed with cancer may not experience pain, it may become more of a concern the further the cancer progresses.

While pain itself is not life-threatening, chronic pain remains one of the most frequent and debilitating symptoms of cancer. Pain is also experienced differently with each individual, some may experience impaired function and reduced quality of life with their physical pains, while others may go through mental distress including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from their pain.

Cancer pains take on many forms. It may be a dull ache or it may feel sharp and piercing. It may also be constant or intermittent, and mild or severe. How much pain you are in depends on a number of factors, including the type of cancer you have, how advanced it is, where is it, and your pain tolerance. Most cancer pain can be managed and will be a crucial part of your cancer treatment journey.

Causes of Cancer Pains

Cancer patients may experience pain from the disease itself, due to tumors pressing or destroying tissues, bones or nerves, or as a side effect of cancer treatment, including surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Some may also experience muscle ache during or after treatment due to a lack of physical activity.

Pain cancer patients may experience may be caused by an inflammatory response to ongoing nerve-tissue damage. This is known as nociceptive pain and is classified into two types:

Visceral Pain: Caused by injuries to internal organs such as the liver or lungs and the pain is often hard to pinpoint.
Somatic Pain: Primarily involves the bone and the location of pain can typically be pinpointed to a specific place on the bone.

Pain Management

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating and managing cancer pains, your pain management specialist will take into account your preference, allergies and potential drug interactions with other therapies to find the most suitable method for you.

Some treatment options that may be recommended for cancer pain include:

Anti-inflammatory Drug: Inflammation may happen due to tumors pressing on bones, nerves or organs. Taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug can offer relief and help control inflammation.
Muscle Relaxers: Radiation therapy may result in scar tissue near the treatment site which may cause muscle tightness. Muscle relaxers can help to relieve the tightness.
Steroid Injections: They mimic your body’s natural response to inflammation and helps to ease more severe joint pain from arthritis or pains from spinal pains. Steroid is injected directly into the problem area and may offer a few months of relief.
Opioids: Opioids are strong painkillers to help address moderate to severe pain. Your pain management specialist may prescribe opioids if other medications do not help or if they affect your cancer treatment.

Balancing Risk and Comfort in Pain Management

Pain management is an oft neglected, yet significant facet of treatment that impacts nearly every aspect of a patient’s recovery. We hear from pain management specialist Dr. Daniel Phang as he delves deeper into the various aspects of pain management and what you should take note of.
Read the story

Understanding Cancer: Your Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Support

Advancements in medical technology today offer hope despite the rising incidence of cancer worldwide. With a comprehensive approach to cancer care, including support from experienced clinical oncologists, specialists, and healthcare professionals, many cancers may be effectively treated or managed.

Empowering Yourself with Knowledge

This resource provides information about cancer, including:

Types of Cancer: Learn about different forms of cancer and their specific characteristics.
Early Detection: Understand the importance of cancer screening for early diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.
Treatment Options: Explore various cancer treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Financial Assistance: Discover available financial aid options to help manage the cost of cancer care.
Reducing Your Risk: Learn about lifestyle factors and preventive measures to minimize your cancer risk.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Normally, the body replaces old or damaged cells with new ones. However, genetic mutations or other factors can disrupt this process, leading to the formation of abnormal cells that multiply uncontrollably and form tumors.

Types of Tumors:

Benign Tumors: Non-cancerous tumors that do not spread to other parts of the body.
Malignant Tumors: Cancerous tumors that can spread to other parts of the body, also known as metastasis.

What Causes Cancer?

Cancer is caused by a complex interplay of factors, including:

Non-Modifiable Factors: Age, family history, and inherited genetic mutations.
Modifiable Factors:
- Lifestyle: Diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
- Environmental Exposures: Radiation, ultraviolet rays, pollutants, and certain viruses and bacteria.

Symptoms of Cancer

Cancer symptoms vary depending on the type and location. However, some general signs and symptoms include:

Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Swelling or lumps
Skin changes
Persistent cough or headaches
Unusual bleeding or bruising

Important Note: These symptoms may also be indicative of other health conditions. Speak to our Specialists today for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Common Cancers in Singapore

Men
Colorectal cancer is also known as bowel cancer and rectal cancer, and is a disease in which the cells in the colon and rectum mutate and change.

Prostate cancer occurs specifically in the prostate, located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, where cells mutate to form tumors that may be localized or spread to nearby tissues.

Lung cancer is a disease in which cells in the lungs mutate to form tumors that interfere with the lung's primary function of taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.
Women
Breast cancer develops in breast tissue where tumors form, and most breast cancers begin in the ducts and glands of breasts.

Colorectal cancer is also known as bowel cancer and rectal cancer and is a disease in which the cells in the colon and rectum mutate and change.

Lung cancer is a disease in which cells in the lungs mutate to form tumors that interfere with the lung's primary function of taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide,

Cancer Treatment Goals

Complete tumor removal.
Prevention of cancer recurrence or spread.
Symptom management and palliative care.

Cancer Prevention

While there's no guaranteed way to prevent cancer, you may reduce your risk by:

Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet.
Getting regular exercise.
Undergoing recommended cancer screenings.
Getting vaccinated against certain cancer-causing viruses (e.g., HPV).

Farrer Park Cancer Care is supported by a panel of multi-disciplinary oncology experts to guide patients and their caregivers on their cancer journey; using innovative approaches to cancer treatments with new technologies, personalized care plans and therapies.

From understanding a cancer diagnosis to deciding on a treatment plan, we are here to meet the spectrum of needs required by our patients, providing them with clinical care and working together to make informed decisions as we navigate with them through the disease into remission.

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