Pain in cancer can arise from tumor invasion, bone metastases, nerve compression, and effects of treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. Over 50% of cancer patients experience pain during treatment, and rates rise with disease progression. Manifestations include aching, neuropathic, visceral, or bone pain, often affecting function and quality of life.
Treatment follows a stepwise approach—starting with NSAIDs and escalating to opioids (per WHO analgesic ladder), adjuvant medications (e.g., anticonvulsants for neuropathic pain), radiation therapy to control tumor burden, nerve blocks, and strong incorporation of palliative and psychosocial care. Spinal cord stimulation and intrathecal drug delivery may also aid in the treatment of cancer-related pain.