pain

Cancer pain can almost always be controlled. If pain is a problem, please tell your Doctor or Clinical Nurse Specialist. They will be able to help you.

If you have pain some time after being treated for cancer, you should mention it at your follow up appointments. Perhaps the pain relief medication you have been using could be changed for something that might be more effective for you. In some situations, specialist palliative care may help with your pain management.

In preparation for your appointments, you might find it useful to keep a pain diary. There is a useful advice on the Cancer Backup website about keeping a pain diary.

Your Clinical Nurse Specialist is available for information and support about coping with the side effects of treatment. However, if you would like to read more about coping with mouth and eating problems, try the suggestions below...

Cancer Backup - Controlling cancer pain 
The Cancerbackup website covers how to cope the different problems associated with eating. This includes information on the causes of pain, drug and non-drug treatments, what you can do to help yourself, and how others can help you. This information is also available in a booklet (free to patients) direct from Cancerbackup or from the Macmillan Cancer Information Centre.

The British Pain Society
This website has information for people who are suffering with pain, including links to other useful organisations.

Pain Concern
Charity from the UK providing information and support to people affected by pain.

National Cancer Institute (USA) - Understanding cancer pain
The website covers a variety of topics of managing cancer pain, including talking about pain, medication, and keeping a diary of your pain.

If you are unsure how to contact your Clinical Nurse Specialist, or want further information on coping with pain, please contact the Macmillan Cancer Information Centre.