Medical studies have shown that over a third of all patients suffering with cancer experience moderate to severe pain; this rises to 66% in patients who have advanced stage disease.
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Cancer pain management
Also known as: Cancer care, Pain management
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What is it for?
To treat cancer pain and greatly improve quality of life
Cancer pain management consultation at The London Clinic
Cancer pain is usually caused by the presence of tumours (abnormal growths of tissues) that can press on surrounding organs, nerves or bones.
If the tumours grow, this can increase the pressure on the surrounding structures and make the pain worse.
There are a number of approaches that can be used to treat cancer pain and greatly improve quality of life.
Reducing the size of the tumour
This can be achieved by surgery (removing of all or part of the tumour), chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormonal-targeted treatment, depending on the size, type and location of the tumour. Even though this may or may not cure the cancer itself, reducing the tumour’s size (or removing it completely), can relieve the pressure on the surrounding structures and ease pain.
FAQs
The mainstay of most cancer pain treatment is the use of opioid-type painkilling medications (like morphine or similar). These can be very effective at managing pain.
However, they do have some side effects such as drowsiness, constipation, nausea and dependence. People can also build up tolerance to them, meaning that they need increasing doses to get the same pain relief over time.
The most effective cancer pain treatment procedure is likely to depend on the type, location and stage of cancer, as well as other general health factors.
For example, neuromodulation is effective in treating pain caused by nerve damage (also known as neuropathic pain).
Pain caused by tumours or metastases (areas of cancer spread) in bones can be best treated using medications called ‘bisphosphonates’ (that help to strengthen the bones) and targeted radiotherapy.
If the pain is caused by a tumour pressing on a nearby organ, then surgery to remove all or part of the tumour can help.
All of the treatments for cancer pain can have side effects. For example:
- Opioid-type medications can often make people feel drowsy, nauseous and constipated
- Radiotherapy can make people feel nauseous and tired, as well as cause some soreness in the skin over the target site (similar to sunburn)
- Any surgical procedure will come with its own risks and side effects that must be weighed up beforehand. This includes a recurrence of any tumour which is being removed
Neuromodulation procedures can cause some problems related to the insertion of the small wire electrodes, as well as device failure, pain at the insertion site or damage to nearby structures.
Many of the common side effects associated with cancer pain treatments, such as nausea, fatigue and constipation, can also be treated with additional medications, physiotherapy and simple measures such as ensuring adequate hydration.
We offer Fixed Price Packages
Where possible, we’ll provide a fixed-price package for your hospital care. This covers your hospital stay, nursing, and use of our facilities, giving you a clear guide to what those costs will be.
- Pre-op assessment
- Hospital stay, nursing care and meals
- Tests, scans and physio during your stay
- Take-home medication (up to 5 days)
- Post-op follow-up appointments
- Standard equipment or prosthesis (if needed)
- Unplanned extended stay or ITU (if clinically required)
- Initial consultation and any tests done during it
- Consultant and anaesthetist fees (quoted separately)
- Physio or therapy before or after your stay
- Diagnostics before admission (unless agreed in your plan)
- Specialist medication beyond 5 days
- Ambulance transport or bespoke prosthetics
Your consultant’s fees are quoted separately and shared directly by their office after your consultation. These professional fees cover the time, expertise, and care provided by your consultant before, during, and after your treatment. See our full terms and conditions
Why choose The London Clinic?
Trusted for over 90 years, The London Clinic is an independent charitable hospital that reinvests into care, research, and support for those who can’t easily access private treatment.
The UK’s largest independent hospital
More patients choose The London Clinic than any other.
Top-rated by real patients
4.86/5 from over 1,600 reviews on Doctify and over 4.5 on Google.
Full intensive care on-site
World-class 13-bed ICU for expert support if your care becomes complex.
Investing in clinical excellence
Backed by Northwestern, we equip our teams with cutting-edge medical equipment.
0% Finance Options
We’ve teamed up with Chrysalis to offer you funding options that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment.
If you choose to pay for your treatment at The London Clinic over 12 months, you can make use of a great 0% interest option and pay nothing extra. Or you can choose to pay over two to five years at 14.9% APR.
Trustees of the London Clinic Ltd trading as The London Clinic is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The London Clinic is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Chrysalis Finance Limited may not be so authorised and regulated. Cancer treatments or transplants aren’t covered by finance packages. Finance options are only available for UK patients.