Cancer Pain Quiz
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Fatigued
Insomnia
Nausea
Body aches
Stomach ache
Abdominal pain
Heat exhaustion
Weight loss
Chest pain
Pain in bones all over body
Sudden tiredness during the day
Loss of appetite
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Cancer Pain?
Cancer pain occurs when cancer grows into or invades nearby bone and tissue. As the cancer expands, it can press on surrounding nerves, bones, and organs, causing pain. The tumor can also release chemicals that cause pain.
Typical Symptoms of Cancer Pain
- Whole body pain
- History of cancer
- Stomach pain that worsens when the stomach is pressed
- Pain worsens or improves when I change my posture
- Stomach or abdominal pain
- Pain in the lower right abdomen
- History of surgery in the abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting
Diagnostic Questions for Cancer Pain
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you have pain all over your body?
- Have you ever had cancer?
- Does your stomach pain get worse when you press on it?
- Does your pain intensity change when you switch postures?
- Do you have any stomach or abdominal pain?
Treatment of Cancer Pain
There are many treatments for cancer pain and the patient should discuss their pain on a regular basis with their medical oncologist, palliative care doctor, or pain specialist. Treatments can range from over-the-counter pain relievers, to prescription pain relievers, to nerve pain drugs, to opioid-based prescription painkillers. Radiation can often relieve bone and nerve pain. Surgery is sometimes used. Sometimes devices can be placed in the spinal cord and elsewhere that directly change the way pain is felt. There are many modern options for cancer pain treatment.
Reviewed By:
Robin Schoenthaler, MD (Oncology)
Board certified radiation oncologist with over 30 years experience treating cancer patients. Senior physician advisor for expert medical options in adult oncology. Published award-winning essayist on medical and health issues and more.
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Content updated on Dec 6, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- My whole body aches and I feel weak
- Body aches and chills
- Joint pain and stiffness all over body
- Whole body aches no fever
- Stomachache
- My whole body hurts
- Whole body pain
- I have lower abdominal pain
- I have left lower abdominal pain
- Pain in the lower right stomach
- Upper left abdominal pain
- Upper right abdominal pain
- Have periodic abdominal pain
- Have pelvic pain
- Sharp abdominal pain
See full list
Symptoms Related to Cancer Pain
Diseases Related to Cancer Pain
FAQs
Q.
Is Palliative Care Only for the End? The Medical Reality and Your Vital Next Steps
A.
Palliative care is not only for the end of life; it is specialized medical support for people of any age and at any stage of serious illness, provided alongside curative treatments to relieve symptoms, reduce stress, and improve quality of life, often improving treatment tolerance and sometimes even survival. There are several factors and next steps to consider, including how it differs from hospice, when to ask for a referral, which symptoms and family needs it addresses, and when urgent symptoms require immediate care. See below for complete details that could impact your choices and guide conversations with your clinicians.
References:
* Koczwara B, St Ledger U, Dingle K, et al. Early Integration of Palliative Care for Patients With Serious Illness: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Palliat Med. 2019 Nov;22(11):1413-1422. PMID: 31339686.
* Kamal AH, Wolf SP, Abernethy AP. Palliative Care Beyond End-of-Life: New Paradigms. J Palliat Med. 2017 Jun;20(6):597-598. PMID: 28667086.
* Wentlandt K, Seifeddine Y, Paes N, et al. Integrated Palliative Care: A Systematic Review of the Evidence. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2018 Apr;55(4):1197-1207. PMID: 29306898.
* Etkind SN, Bone AE, Gomes B, et al. Palliative care for people with chronic diseases: a scoping review. Palliat Med. 2019 Nov;33(10):1346-1358. PMID: 31818784.
* Ferrell BR, Temel JS, Temin S, et al. Integrating Palliative Care Into Standard Oncology Practice: ASCO Clinical Practice Guideline Update. J Clin Oncol. 2020 Mar 10;38(8):897-917. PMID: 32011927.
Q.
Is It Time for Hospice Care? The Medical Reality and Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Hospice is appropriate when a serious illness is no longer responding to treatment, life expectancy is around six months, symptoms and functional decline are increasing, and comfort becomes the top goal. There are several factors to consider, and starting earlier often improves comfort and support; see below to understand more. Next steps include speaking directly with the doctor about prognosis and goals, requesting a no obligation hospice evaluation, reviewing advance directives, and managing symptoms now, seeking urgent care for severe pain or breathing trouble; full guidance is below.
References:
* Kamal R, Kelly B. Hospice And Palliative Care. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537151/
* Kimbell B, Smith T. Palliative Care and Hospice: A Review for General Practice. Am Fam Physician. 2021 May 1;103(9):547-553. PMID: 33929424.
* Carlson MD, Bellamy P, BrintzenhofeSzoc K, et al. Hospice Eligibility Criteria in the United States: A Review of the Evidence and Proposed Recommendations for Reform. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2014 Mar;47(3):561-71. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2013.06.002. Epub 2013 Aug 16. PMID: 23958100.
* Srinivasan M, Sarma H, Sarangi S, Padmanabhan V. Prognostic Indicators for Hospice Referral: A Scoping Review. Curr Oncol Rep. 2023 Oct;27(10):1279-1296. doi: 10.1007/s11912-023-01452-y. Epub 2023 Aug 2. PMID: 37526778.
* Childers JW, Arnold RM, Back AL, et al. Discussing Hospice Care With Patients and Families: The Physician's Role. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2017 Mar;53(3):610-619. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2016.11.009. Epub 2016 Nov 16. PMID: 27866031; PMCID: PMC5321854.
Q.
Referred to an Oncologist? What to Expect & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
A referral to an oncologist is a step toward clarity and does not automatically mean you have cancer; expect a thorough history, exam, and review of prior tests, with possible additional imaging, labs, biopsy, or genetic testing, and if cancer is confirmed, a clear discussion of type, stage, and evidence-based treatment options. There are several factors to consider, including how quickly to follow up, what questions to ask, symptom management while waiting, red flags that require urgent care, emotional support, and when to seek a second opinion; see below for complete details that can shape your next steps.
References:
* Al-Baghdadi, T., Elgendy, S. H., Abdulla, M. O., & Barakat, E. H. (2018). Navigating the cancer care journey: a guide for patients and caregivers. *Journal of Community and Supportive Oncology, 16*(2), e116-e124.
* Obeidat, B., Khoshnood, K., & Taragin, M. I. (2020). Patient Expectations, Decision-Making, and Communication in the Initial Oncology Consultation: A Qualitative Study. *Journal of Cancer Education, 35*(6), 1184-1191.
* Zuniga-Vega, C. A., Maestre, J. P., & O'Toole, P. (2019). The initial staging and multidisciplinary management of cancer: A review for general practitioners. *Australian Journal of General Practice, 48*(8), 536-541.
* Friedberg, J. W., & Fisher, V. A. (2020). Shared decision-making in oncology: Current realities and future prospects. *CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 70*(3), 167-178.
* Seers, R., & Horne, R. (2021). Preparing Patients for Cancer Treatment: A Narrative Review of Interventions and Their Impact. *Current Oncology Reports, 23*(9), 103.
Q.
Scared of Oncology? The Medical Reality and Your Approved Next Steps
A.
Oncology is a team-based, science-driven specialty for preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer, and modern care offers targeted, often well-tolerated options with strong pain and symptom support. For approved next steps, get clear facts about type and stage, bring someone, list questions, consider a second opinion, and seek prompt care for red flags like unexplained weight loss, unusual bleeding, persistent pain, or a new lump; there are several factors to consider, and the complete guidance you may need is detailed below.
References:
* Ronson P, et al. Managing Anxiety and Depression in Cancer Patients. Oncology (Williston Park). 2018 Sep 15;32(9):440-4. PMID: 30219602.
* Boland PM, et al. Shared Decision-Making in Oncology: A Scoping Review. JCO Oncol Pract. 2020 Mar;16(3):e272-e283. doi: 10.1200/OP.19.00392. Epub 2020 Feb 6. PMID: 32027599.
* El-Jawahri A, et al. Communicating Prognosis in Advanced Cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2017 Feb 20;35(6):686-692. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2016.70.3637. Epub 2017 Jan 3. PMID: 28045731.
* Ma H, et al. Multidisciplinary cancer care: how to promote and assess its quality and effectiveness. ESMO Open. 2020 Aug;5(4):e000851. doi: 10.1136/esmoopen-2020-000851. PMID: 32747318; PMCID: PMC7409259.
* Willis M, et al. The Role of Patient Navigation in Improving Cancer Outcomes: A Systematic Review. J Am Coll Surg. 2018 Apr;226(4):618-624. doi: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2017.12.016. Epub 2017 Dec 28. PMID: 29288863.
Q.
Is It Time? The Medical Reality of Euthanasia & Approved Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider. Euthanasia and physician-assisted dying are legal only in select places with strict safeguards, and many symptoms driving the question can often be managed with palliative or hospice care, advanced pain control, and support for depression or anxiety. Approved next steps include talking with your doctor, requesting palliative care, considering hospice and advance care planning, and getting a second opinion and mental health evaluation; see the complete guidance below, as important details could change your next steps.
References:
* Sachs GA, Berman AR, Brooks E, Cassel CK, et al. Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide: A White Paper of the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2017 Jul 18;167(2):123-129. doi: 10.7326/M17-0949. PMID: 28672322.
* Kasperowicz A, Kiejna A. Physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia: Current practices and controversies. World J Psychiatry. 2022 Jul 19;12(7):858-868. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i7.858. PMCID: PMC9330693. PMID: 35928122.
* Sulmasy DP, Finucane T, Mueller PS. Physician-Assisted Death: Challenges, Considerations, and Compassion. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2021 Apr;61(4):e1-e12. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.10.035. Epub 2020 Nov 6. PMID: 33166746.
* Perencevich A, Talsania M, Vora NM, Sanyal A. Medical Aid in Dying: A Review of Legislative Trends and Clinical Practice. J Law Med Ethics. 2021 Dec;49(4):762-771. doi: 10.1017/jlm.2021.90. Epub 2021 Nov 16. PMID: 34969502.
* Pietrzyk E, Czarkowski P, Smiech-Madejczyk S, Grodzicki T. The Legal and Ethical Status of Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide in Europe. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2020 Oct;60(4):818-825. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.06.012. Epub 2020 Jun 25. PMID: 32599187.
Q.
Is Palliative Care Just for the End? The Truth and Your Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Palliative care is not just for the end of life; it can begin at any stage of a serious illness, alongside curative treatment, to improve comfort, symptom control, decision making, and sometimes even survival. There are several factors to consider, including how it differs from hospice, when to ask for it, which symptoms it treats, insurance coverage, urgent red flags, and step by step next actions like assessing symptoms, using a cancer pain symptom check, and asking your doctor to involve a palliative team; see the complete guidance below.
References:
* Radbruch L, et al. What is palliative care? A systematic review of definitions and concepts. Palliat Med. 2020 Jan;34(1):12-22. PMID: 31544431.
* Kavalieratos D, et al. Early Integration of Palliative Care in Serious Illness: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med. 2016 Nov 1;176(11):1710-1721. PMID: 27622839.
* Hui D, et al. The Integration of Palliative Care in Chronic Disease Management. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care. 2019 Jun;13(2):142-147. PMID: 30973418.
* Kamal AH, et al. Barriers and facilitators to early palliative care referral for patients with advanced cancer: a qualitative study. BMC Palliat Care. 2017 Jan 5;16(1):1. PMID: 28056972.
* Knaul FM, et al. Palliative Care: A Global Health Imperative. Lancet. 2015 Oct 17;386(10008):2139-44. PMID: 26593452.
Q.
A Silent Rebellion? Why Your Body Is Sounding the Alarm & Medically-Approved Cancer Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider, and subtle, persistent changes lasting more than 2 to 3 weeks such as unexplained weight loss, unrelenting fatigue, ongoing pain, evolving skin changes, a cough lasting over 3 weeks, unusual bleeding, or bowel and bladder changes can be early signals to seek care. Medically approved next steps include a focused history and exam, targeted imaging, blood tests, and biopsy if needed, with screening guided by your personal risk. If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, seek urgent care, and see the complete guidance below for details that can change the right next step for you.
References:
* Renzi C, Whitaker KL, Winstanley L, von Wagner C. Awareness of cancer warning signs and symptoms: a systematic review. Br J Cancer. 2019 Jun;120(12):1075-1084. PMID: 31011151.
* Lonergan M, O'Malley A, Hayes B, Murphy L, Barry M. Non-specific symptoms as indicators of cancer: a narrative review. J Clin Med. 2021 Aug 27;10(17):3876. PMID: 34501257.
* Brawley OW. Cancer screening in the general population: A global perspective on the current status. CA Cancer J Clin. 2023 Sep;73(5):478-490. PMID: 37409210.
* Fitzmaurice C, Compton K, Sevcikova P, et al. Early diagnosis of cancer: a global challenge. Lancet Oncol. 2019 Jun;20(6):e307-e317. PMID: 31151603.
* Alpert E, Gilad D, Lavi I, Keinan-Boker L, Cohen AD. The role of primary care in cancer diagnosis and post-treatment surveillance. Cancer Manag Res. 2022 Jul 26;14:2643-2651. PMID: 35903930.
Q.
Drowning in Pain? Palliative Care: Your Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Palliative care is a medically approved, evidence-based approach that relieves pain and other symptoms, supports emotional and spiritual needs, improves communication, and can start at any stage alongside curative treatments without meaning you are giving up. There are several factors to consider, including your specific symptoms and goals; see below to understand more. Immediate next steps include telling your doctor your pain is not controlled, asking for a palliative care referral, reviewing medications and sleep, and bringing a support person, while seeking urgent care for red-flag symptoms like chest pain, severe headache, confusion, weakness, or shortness of breath. Key differences from hospice, options for cancer pain assessment, and the exact questions to ask your team are outlined below.
References:
* Dones M, Al-Shurafa A, Patel A, Urdaneta A. Palliative Care for Chronic Pain. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2023 Feb;27(2):49-59. doi: 10.1007/s11916-023-01103-z. Epub 2023 Feb 8. PMID: 36754807.
* Temel JS, Billings JA, Billings JA, et al. Integrating Palliative Care Into Standard Oncology Practice: A Meta-analysis of Outcomes and Future Directions. J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2023 Mar;21(3):328-336. doi: 10.6004/jnccn.2022.7099. PMID: 36893699.
* Back C, Jassal P. Comprehensive Pain Management in Palliative Care. Am J Nurs. 2022 Apr 1;122(4):30-36. doi: 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000827297.04230.b8. PMID: 35323984.
* Gaps in Pain Management and Communication in Palliative Care. J Palliat Med. 2022 Mar;25(3):362-368. doi: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0425. Epub 2021 Oct 19. PMID: 34665476.
* Hui D, Bruera E. Key Principles of Palliative Care in the Management of Chronic Pain. Clin J Pain. 2021 May 1;37(5):291-297. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000913. PMID: 33908868.
Q.
How Long Does Tylenol Last? Relief & Next Steps for Her Health
A.
Tylenol typically starts working in 30 to 60 minutes, peaks around 1 to 2 hours, and lasts about 4 to 6 hours, with some extended-release versions lasting up to 8 hours. There are several factors to consider. Most adults should not exceed 3,000 to 4,000 mg per day, and if pain returns before 4 hours, is frequent, or feels unusual, see the complete guidance below for safer dosing, alternatives, and when to seek care.
References:
* Mazaleuskaya, L. L., et al. (2015). Acetaminophen for Pain Management: A Review of Efficacy, Safety, and Clinical Use. *Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology*, *11*(4), 587-595. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25528205/
* Jóźwiak-Bębenek, A., & Kaczmarczyk-Sedlak, I. (2018). Optimizing Acetaminophen Dosing for Pain and Fever in Adults. *Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics*, *43*(6), 727-735. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29968989/
* De Martino, M., & Chiarugi, A. (2015). Efficacy of acetaminophen for acute pain: an updated review. *Pain and Therapy*, *4*(2), 149-168. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26139437/
* Smith, K. H., et al. (2012). Pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen in healthy adult volunteers following oral administration of extended-release acetaminophen. *Journal of Clinical Pharmacology*, *52*(12), 1845-1854. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22359405/
* Graham, G. G., et al. (2005). Clinical pharmacology of paracetamol (acetaminophen) - a review. *British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology*, *59*(Suppl 2), 173-181. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15757562/
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https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Magee D, Bachtold S, Brown M, Farquhar-Smith P. Cancer pain: where are we now? Pain Manag. 2019 Jan 1;9(1):63-79. doi: 10.2217/pmt-2018-0031. Epub 2018 Dec 5. PMID: 30516438.
https://www.futuremedicine.com/doi/10.2217/pmt-2018-0031Fink RM, Gallagher E. Cancer Pain Assessment and Measurement. Semin Oncol Nurs. 2019 Jun;35(3):229-234. doi: 10.1016/j.soncn.2019.04.003. Epub 2019 Apr 26. PMID: 31036386.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S074920811930035X?via%3DihubNeufeld NJ, Elnahal SM, Alvarez RH. Cancer pain: a review of epidemiology, clinical quality and value impact. Future Oncol. 2017 Apr;13(9):833-841. doi: 10.2217/fon-2016-0423. Epub 2016 Nov 23. PMID: 27875910.
https://www.futuremedicine.com/doi/10.2217/fon-2016-0423