Cancer Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Cancer Pain?
Cancer pain is usually managed by an oncologist, a doctor who treats cancer, often with a palliative care specialist, a doctor who relieves symptoms of serious illness. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is cancer pain?
Cancer pain is pain caused by the cancer itself or by its treatment. It is one of the most common symptoms in people with cancer. Pain occurs in 20 to 50 percent of patients with cancer, and roughly 80 percent of patients with advanced-stage cancer have moderate to severe pain. The pain can range from mild to severe. It may last a short time or a long time. Many people with cancer do not get enough treatment for their pain, but pain can be treated.
Symptoms
Everyone's pain is different. It may feel aching, dull, throbbing, constant, or sharp. Common patterns include:
- Pain where a tumor presses on nerves, bones, organs, or the spinal cord.
- Pain from tests or treatments, such as a biopsy, chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
- Nerve pain, which can come from damage to nerves by a tumor or by treatment.
- Pain that gets worse with movement or certain activities.
- Breakthrough pain, a sudden flare of pain in someone whose pain is otherwise controlled.
Causes and who gets it
Cancer pain has a few main causes. When a tumor grows, it can press on nerves, bones, organs, or the spinal cord. Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, can also cause pain. Some of these treatments can damage nerves.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors find the cause of pain by asking about it and examining you. You may be asked to rate your pain from 0 to 10, where 0 means no pain and 10 means the worst pain you can imagine. Tell your provider what the pain feels like, where it is, how long it lasts, and how strong it is. A physical exam and imaging tests can show whether a tumor is pressing on tissues. Doctors also sort the pain by type, since this affects which treatments work best.
Treatment
There are many medicines and other treatments for cancer pain. Doctors often start with the medicine that has the fewest side effects and add or change medicines if needed.
- Non-opioid pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are medicines that reduce pain and swelling. These treat mild to moderate pain and can also be used along with opioids.
- Opioids, strong prescription medicines such as morphine and oxycodone, for moderate to severe pain. Opioids are considered necessary for most patients with moderate to severe cancer pain. Your care team checks the risks of misuse or addiction on a regular basis.
- Adjuvant medicines, other medicines your provider may prescribe to help with your pain. Antidepressants such as duloxetine, and nerve-pain drugs such as gabapentin, can help nerve pain. Steroids can help pain from swelling.
- Radiation therapy, which can shrink a tumor that is causing pain.
- Chemotherapy, which can shrink tumors and reduce pain.
- Surgery, to remove a tumor that is causing pain.
- Nerve blocks, injections of pain medicine around a nerve, and other procedures that your provider may suggest in some cases.
- Physical or occupational therapy to improve strength, mobility, and daily function.
Palliative care, specialized care for people with serious illness, provides expert pain management. Early integration of palliative care into cancer care improves quality of life for patients and families.
When to see a doctor
Tell your cancer care team about any pain, and do not wait until it is severe. Pain is easiest to treat when you treat it early. Call your provider if your pain medicine is not working.
Call 911 if you have new or worse back pain with weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. A tumor may be pressing on the spinal cord, and waiting can cause lasting damage. Also call 911 for chest pain, trouble breathing, or sudden, severe pain anywhere in the body.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can follow your pain control between cancer visits and coordinate referrals to oncology and palliative care.
Common questions
Will I get addicted to opioid pain medicine?
As long as you take the medicine as prescribed, you have little chance of becoming addicted. Some people are afraid to take pain medicines because they worry about addiction. Your body may develop a tolerance over time, meaning you may need more medicine for the same pain. This is normal and does not mean you are addicted.
Should I save strong pain medicine for when the pain is bad?
No. Do not skip doses or try to go longer between doses. Pain is easiest to treat early. Waiting until pain is severe can make it harder to treat.
What is breakthrough pain?
Breakthrough pain is a sudden increase or flare of pain in someone whose pain is otherwise fairly well controlled. Tell your provider if this happens, because treatment plans can be adjusted for it.
Can anything besides medicine help?
Yes. Options include nerve blocks, radiation therapy, physical therapy, and treatments such as acupuncture, meditation, and biofeedback. Most people use these methods in addition to medicines.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Cancer treatment - dealing with pain
- National Cancer Institute - Cancer Pain (PDQ)
- PubMed Central - Common oncologic emergencies
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
