Is it true that cancer causes unbearable pain? Is death due to cancer painful?
Ans. 7: A large number of people with cancer do experience pain as it advances. With appropriate treatments, however, it is possible to almost completely alleviate this pain in almost 90% of patients. Ques. 8: How is cancer pain controlled? Ans. 8: Pain caused by the spread of cancer can be alleviated by a skilful combination of different analgesics (drugs to control pain) as well as by non-medical methods. The ability to do so depend on a correct reading of the cause and nature of the pain. This is what palliative care doctors are trained to do. Drugs also need to be taken in the right dose, at the right time and in the right combinations to be effective. The analgesics commonly prescribed to control pain include paracetamols, opioids like codeine and morphine, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antispasmodics, muscle relaxants, corticosteroids, etc. Non-medical means that can help to ease pain are yoga, meditation, massage, cold compresses, a warm bath, soothing music, activities to d
