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Pain

Experiencing pain is often a result of having cancer. Pain can leave a person unable to do things they would normally do in everyday life. It is also uncomfortable and unpleasant, making patients wish to be rid of it. Therefore, alleviating pain is often important in coping with cancer.

Before pain can be ameliorated, it must be evaluated. Pain can result from so many different areas and can manifest itself in so many different strengths that there is no one treatment that will be effective for all types of pain. To find the treatment best suited for a certain patient's pain, several factors must be considered. The first is to describe its history; when it was first noticed, if it comes and goes or is constant, etc. The second is to give its location and third is to describe its severity. Then, a patient should tell of any factors they have pinpointed that either aggravate or relieve the pain.

The first way to treat pain is with drugs. For pain that is not terribly severe, acetaminophens or aspirins can be used. The second way is with opioids, such as morphine. However, cancer patients often become tolerant to these drugs after a period of time, so increased doses must be given for them to remain effective. This increases the risks and severity of side effects from the opioids. Some of these side effects are nausea, sleepiness, constipation, vomiting, difficulty thinking, breathing problems, and sexual side effects.

Pain can also be treated through physical methods. Hot or cold packs can be applied to pain from muscles or bones. Massages and acupuncture are also effective in relieving similar types of pain. Exercise is another effective way to relieve pain, because it strengthens muscles, loosens stiff joints, helps restore coordination and balance, and strengthens the heart.

Psychological exercises are also helpful in coping with pain. During episodes of brief pain, relaxation is often a useful method in restoring comfort and focus. Hypnosis is also used to relieve pain, as it allows patients to concentrate on things other than the pain. Often, just forcing oneself to focus on something other than pain will help a patient forget some of its effects. Support groups are also a good way to talk through and feel better about pain experienced because of cancer.