Having cancer does not always mean having pain. For those with pain, there are many different kinds of medicines, ways to receive the medicine, and non-medicine methods that can relieve the pain you may have. You should not accept pain as a normal part of having cancer. When you are free of pain, you can sleep and eat better, enjoy the company of family and friends, and continue with your work and hobbies.

Only you know how much pain you have. Telling your doctor and nurse when you have pain is important. Not only is pain easier to treat when you first have it, but pain can be an early warning sign of the side effects of the cancer or the cancer treatment. Together -- you, your nurse, and doctor -- can talk about how to treat your pain. You have a right to pain relief, and you should insist on it.

For more information go to:

Pain Control: A Guide for People with Cancer and Their Families

NCCN Cancer Pain Treatment Guidelines for Patients

Breakthrough Cancer Pain: Questions and Answers

The American Pain Foundation
Founded in 1997, the American Pain Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization serving people with pain through information, education and advocacy. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for people with pain by raising public awareness, providing practical information, promoting research, and advocating to remove barriers and increase access to effective pain management.

“Pain Action Guide: Reading This Could Help Ease Your Pain”

"Finding Help for Your Pain

Massachusetts Pain Initiative (MassPI)
This Web site is co-sponsored by MassPI and the American Cancer Society. It contains useful information and resources for patients, families and health care professionals.

Beth Israel Medical Center: Department of Pain Management and Palliative Care
This site offers patient information on “Management of Pain and Other Symptoms.”