Cancer-Related Pain

Cancer-related pain is pain caused by cancer itself, or as a result of cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormone therapy. Pain can vary from mild to severe and may be constant or intermittent. It may affect one area or multiple parts of the body, depending on the underlying cause.

Cancer pain can be distressing, but it is often manageable with the right approach. At the Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we provide consultant-led assessment and support to help control symptoms, improve comfort, and maintain quality of life.

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Types of Cancer-Related Pain

Cancer-related pain may be described in different ways depending on the cause:

• Nociceptive pain
  Pain caused by damage or pressure on tissues such as bone, muscles or organs. Often described as aching, throbbing or pressure-like.
• Neuropathic pain
  Pain caused by nerve irritation or damage. Often described as burning, tingling, shooting or electric shock-like.
• Bone pain
  Commonly experienced as deep aching pain, sometimes worse on movement or at night.
• Visceral pain
  Pain coming from internal organs, often described as cramping, pressure or discomfort.
• Breakthrough pain
  A sudden flare of pain that occurs despite otherwise controlled background pain, sometimes triggered by movement or activity.
• Treatment-related pain
  Pain caused by surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, procedures, or scarring.

Many people experience more than one type of pain at the same time.

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Common Causes of Cancer-Related Pain

Cancer-related pain can be caused by:

• Tumour pressure on organs, nerves, or surrounding tissues
• Inflammation in the affected area
• Bone involvement or fractures related to weakened bone
• Nerve compression or nerve injury
• Cancer treatments, including:
  • Post-surgical pain
  • Radiotherapy-related inflammation or tissue sensitivity
  • Chemotherapy-related nerve pain (peripheral neuropathy)
  • Hormone treatment effects (including joint or muscle aches)
• Secondary complications, such as reduced mobility, muscle tension, constipation, or infection

Your consultant will consider all possible contributors, including factors not directly caused by the cancer itself.

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Symptoms of Cancer-Related Pain

Cancer-related pain may present in different ways, including:

• Persistent aching, pressure or throbbing pain
• Sharp or stabbing pain
• Burning or shooting nerve pain
• Pain that worsens with movement or certain positions
• Pain that disrupts sleep
• Pain with associated numbness, tingling or weakness
• Increased pain during specific activities (breakthrough pain)

Pain can also contribute to fatigue, anxiety, reduced appetite, reduced mobility, and lower overall wellbeing.

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Diagnosis at Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

A detailed assessment helps identify the type of pain and the most appropriate treatment plan. Your consultant may:

• Discuss where the pain is, how it feels, and what triggers or relieves it
• Review your cancer history, current treatments, and any recent changes
• Assess functional impact on sleep, mobility, appetite and mood
• Examine the affected area where appropriate
• Arrange investigations if needed, such as blood tests or imaging, to understand the cause or rule out complications

Pain assessment is personalised and focuses on improving comfort and daily quality of life.

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Treatment & Management

Cancer-related pain is often best managed using a combination of approaches. Your plan will be tailored to the type of pain, severity, and your wider treatment goals.

Medication options

Your clinician may recommend a step-by-step approach using:

• Standard pain relief medication where appropriate
• Pain relief medication for moderate to severe pain where needed
• Medications that target nerve pain, such as neuropathic agents
• Medication to reduce inflammation in selected cases
• Medicines to manage side effects such as nausea or constipation

Medication is carefully reviewed to balance pain control with alertness and overall comfort.

Non-medication support

Depending on your needs, treatment may also include:

• Physiotherapy and gentle movement to maintain strength and mobility
• Positioning advice and mobility aids where helpful
• Relaxation and breathing techniques
• Heat or cold therapy (where appropriate and safe)
• Support with fatigue management and pacing
• Psychological support for coping strategies, anxiety and sleep disruption

Treating the underlying cause

In some cases, pain can improve with treatment targeting the cause, such as:

• Treating inflammation or infection
• Supporting bone stability and mobility
• Coordinating with oncology teams for symptom management alongside cancer treatment
• Considering specialist interventions where appropriate

Specialist referral pathways

If pain is difficult to control, your consultant may recommend referral to a specialist pain team or palliative care service for additional support and options.

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When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent medical advice if you experience:

• Sudden severe pain that is new or rapidly worsening
• New weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, or changes in bladder/bowel control
• Severe headache, confusion, or new neurological symptoms
• Fever, chills, or signs of infection
• New breathlessness or chest pain
• Sudden swelling, redness or pain in a limb

These symptoms may indicate a complication that needs urgent assessment.

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If you are living with cancer-related pain and it is affecting your comfort, sleep, mobility or wellbeing, contact Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital for assessment and support. There is no need to be registered with the hospital, or live locally.

If you have insurance which covers consultations, we can in most cases invoice the insurer directly. Where you are paying directly any costs will always be discussed.