Managing chronic pain and cancer

People living with and beyond cancer may experience pain for different reasons, some people don’t experience any pain at all. We are all unique, pain is a personal experience as everyone’s response is different.

Cancer can cause pain by putting pressure on different parts of the body, it may press on an organ or a nerve. Or it might be a consequence or side effect of cancer treatment.

Understanding different terms for pain.

You might hear people describing pain in different ways, this description might include where it is or how long it has been there.

Acute pain is pain that starts suddenly and is usually linked to an injury, illness, surgery, or medical procedure. It is often short-term and usually improves as the body heals.

Chronic pain is pain that lasts for a long time. It may continue even after an injury has healed and can affect daily activities, sleep, mood, and quality of life.

Breakthrough pain is a sudden flare-up of pain that occurs despite having regular pain medication. It can happen unexpectedly or be triggered by activities such as moving, coughing, or dressing.

Referred pain is pain that is felt in a different part of the body from where the problem is actually located

How can I manage my pain at home?

 Track Your Triggers

It may help to keep a pain diary so that you can track if there are any activities or movements that worsen your pain. It will be a helpful way of telling your team more about your pain so that they can suggest treatments more tailored to your needs.

This is an example of a pain diary developed by Macmillan Managing cancer pain

Stay Active 

Gentle movement can help ease joint stiffness and stop it from becoming a cycle. It’s helpful to avoid sitting for long periods if you work at a desk, try to stand up and move around regularly throughout the day.

Great ways to stay active include:

• Low‑impact exercise: Activities such as walking, swimming, or using a static bike are kind to your joints while helping you stay fit.
• Flexibility exercises: Yoga and Tai Chi can improve flexibility and help your body release endorphins, natural chemicals that support pain relief and wellbeing.

For more ideas and guidance, visit our Physical Activity pages.

Maintaining good posture can also reduce strain on your joints and muscles, helping you stay comfortable during daily activities.

Use Heat and Cold Therapies

• Heat Therapy: Use hot packs, hot water bottles, or warm baths to relax muscles and reduce morning stiffness.

Apply hot, not boiling hot temperatures. Only apply the heat pack for 15 minutes at a time.

• Cold Therapy: Apply ice packs or cooling gels to areas of active swelling or “heat” to numb the pain.

Wrap ice packs in towels so you do you develop ice burn, apply for 10 minutes at a time.

Please take care not to develop a burn or skin damage with hot and cold therapy.

• Take care if you have sensitive skin due to SACT
• Do not apply directly to the area of skin directly treated with radiotherapy.
• If you have developed Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) following your cancer treatment, avoid applying heat or cold over the areas of reduced sensation.

 Explore Pain Relief (Analgesia)

Different medications focus on different types of pain. Your team may suggest:

• Over-the-counter options like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
• Specialist prescriptions for nerve or inflammatory pain.

Always check with your doctor before starting any new medication.

For more detailed support on non-drug relief, explore the Macmillan Cancer Support guide on pain management Cancer pain management without drugs.

Complementary Therapies

People can find benefit from massage, acupuncture or acupressure, to relieve muscle tension and relieve pain. Please ensure if you choose to have acupuncture, that your acupuncture therapist is aware of your cancer diagnosis, so that they do not use any techniques that could cause harm, particularly if you have low blood counts, or increase your risk of developing lymphoedema.

Complementary therapies show not replace your cancer treatments, but instead complement them. Some people find them helpful, but they do not work for everyone.

A TENS machine (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine) is a small battery powered device that uses a mild electrical current to relieve pain.

Check with your treatment team or GP first before trying one, they are not suitable for everyone.

Talking To Someone

Opening up to people about your experience of pain can be helpful. Persistent pain can impact upon your mood. Speak to your team to discuss whether talking therapies or a referral to the cancer psychological support (CaPS) team might be appropriate.

Distraction Techniques

You may find that it is helpful to try some activities that distract you from your pain. Talking to friends, doing activities or puzzles and listening to music are a few options.

What can make pain feel worse?

 Many different things can influence how we experience pain. For example, pain can feel stronger when we’re tired. Our home life, social life, and work situation can all affect pain, both positively and negatively. Not being able to get out, see friends, or take part in usual activities may make pain feel worse.

Emotions also play a role. Feelings such as anxiety or low mood can increase the intensity of pain. At the same time, ongoing pain can lead to anxiety or depression if it isn’t well managed.

Please see the Emotional and Psychological Wellbeing pages for further information and guidance.

When to ask for help

• If the pain is persistent and impacting upon your daily life
• If you notice new swelling, redness or your joint becomes warn
• If you are concerned you may have a fracture (broken bone)

Resources

Macmillan webpage Pain

Macmillan booklet Managing cancer pain

Macmillan audiobook Managing cancer pain

Action on pain charity Webpage

0345 603 1593 (Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm)

Email: aopisat@btinternet.com

Pain concern

0300 123 0789

Email: help@painconcern.org.uk