Before reading this article, I sincerely invite you to click "Follow", so that you can access a series of high-quality articles at any time, and at the same time facilitate discussion and sharing, thank you for your support!
Copywriting丨Dr. Li's health protection
Editor丨Dr. Li Health Guard
Cancer, a life-threatening disease, is often accompanied by unbearable pain. Many people wonder if cancer hurts. How painful is it? What can be done? With these questions, the reporter interviewed Professor Li, a well-known anesthesiology expert.
Professor Li said straight to the point that about 70% of cancer patients will experience moderate to severe pain. This is a staggering number and speaks to the hardships of cancer patients. Pain afflicts the body and destroys the patient's quality of life and will to survive.
The causes of cancer pain are complex and varied. As the tumor grows, it can compress peripheral nerves and tissues, causing severe pain. Cancer cells also secrete chemicals that stimulate pain receptors. In addition, treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy may also exacerbate the pain.
It is important to note that not all cancers are accompanied by pain. Early-stage cancers often have no obvious symptoms, which is why a physical examination is so important. And when the cancer progresses to an advanced stage, pain is almost inevitable.
How to relieve cancer pain? Professor Li introduced a method known as the "stepped analgesic method". This is the standard pain treatment regimen recommended by the World Health Organization, with the intensity of the medication gradually increasing depending on the level of pain.
For mild pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen usually provide relief. Moderate pain requires a weak opioid, such as codeine. Severe pain, on the other hand, requires strong opioids, such as morphine. Professor Li stressed that it is safe to use opioids under the guidance of a medical professional, and there is no need to worry too much about addiction.
In addition to medications, TCM also plays an important role in cancer pain relief. Acupuncture, massage, Chinese medicine and other methods can effectively relieve pain and improve quality of life. Traditional Chinese medicine theory believes that cancer pain stems from stagnation of qi and blood, and that pain relief can be achieved by dredging the meridians and harmonizing yin and yang.
Professor Li pointed out that the combination of Chinese and Western medicine methods can significantly improve the pain relief effect. For example, acupuncture can enhance the analgesic effects of morphine and reduce the amount of medication used. TCM decoction can alleviate the discomfort caused by chemotherapy and improve patient tolerance.
In recent years, some new technologies have emerged in the field of cancer pain relief. A nerve block involves injecting a local anesthetic to block pain signaling. Spinal cord stimulation involves implanting electrodes in the spinal cord to interfere with pain signals with an electric current. These techniques offer new hope for patients with refractory pain.
In particular, Professor Li mentioned a method known as "patient-controlled analgesia" (PCA). This approach allows patients to autonomously control the amount of painkillers within a preset dose range. PCA can be beneficial for mental health by better pain control and can also enhance the patient's sense of autonomy and control.
When it comes to cancer pain, we have to mention the influence of psychological factors. Negative emotions such as fear, anxiety, depression, etc., can exacerbate pain sensations. Psychotherapy plays an important role in cancer pain relief. Methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness meditation can help patients better cope with pain.
Professor Li emphasised that effective pain management requires multidisciplinary collaboration. In addition to oncologists, it is also necessary to involve anesthesiology, pain, traditional Chinese medicine, psychology and other departments. Only a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan can alleviate the patient's pain to the greatest extent.
Unfortunately, a significant number of cancer patients do not receive adequate pain relief. Some doctors are afraid to use opioids because of their concerns. Some patients are worried about addiction and actively refuse to use it. Still others believe that pain is inevitable and choose to endure it in silence.
Professor Li called for the dispel of misconceptions about cancer pain. Pain is not a fate that cancer patients must endure, but a symptom that can and should be controlled. He hopes that more patients and their families can actively seek professional help and not let pain become a "thief" of quality of life.
It is worth mentioning that cancer pain relief should not be limited to patients with advanced stages. Even patients in the early stages may experience pain due to treatments such as surgery, chemoradiotherapy, etc. Timely and effective pain management can help patients complete treatment better, improve the quality of life and the chance of cure.
In the future, Professor Li is looking forward to the development of the field of cancer pain relief. He predicts that with the advancement of precision medicine, there may be customized pain relief programs for specific cancers and specific individuals in the future. Cutting-edge technologies such as gene therapy and nanotechnology are also expected to bring revolutionary breakthroughs in cancer pain relief.
Finally, Professor Li sent a message to cancer patients and their families: It is important to maintain hope and courage in the face of illness. Effective pain management can dramatically improve quality of life and give patients more energy to fight the disease. He encourages patients to take the initiative to communicate with their doctors about their pain and work together to develop the most suitable pain relief plan.
The road to cancer has been a bumpy road, but we are not alone. With the continuous advancement of medicine, more and more weapons have been developed to fight cancer pain. Life is precious, and every minute deserves to be cherished. Let's work together to defeat cancer and relieve pain. I believe that one day, cancer will no longer be an invincible enemy, and pain will no longer be an unbearable torment.
What do you have to say about this? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section!