Chronic cancer pain associated with later stages of cancer is difficult to manage. It may result from a variety of causes and must be frequently reassessed. Management is aimed at continuous suppression of pain and maximizing quality of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for chronic cancer pain management recommend a three-step approach to drug therapy. This guideline is based on the premise that all pain can be treated with drugs. Your healthcare professional would be well versed in the use of a few medications from each category of drug agents.

Advances in pain treatment have led to a wide variety of safe, effective options for controlling pain. If one type of drug is not helping, there are many others. However, no medication should be taken without the knowledge of your doctor or nurse.

You should always understand what type of medicine you are receiving, how you are supposed to take it, and what side effects to expect.