If you're in pain, get relief

Medicine and other treatments can almost always relieve cancer pain. Treating pain is an important part of good cancer care. Pain relief can also help you enjoy life more.

To get relief, talk to your doctor or nurse as soon as pain begins.

Tell them:

• All the places it hurts
• How strong the pain feels
• What makes the pain worse
• What eases the pain
• How much relief you get from medicines you now take

Ask them:

• What medicine(s) can you give me to relieve my pain?
• How and when should I take the medicine(s) and for how long?
• What side effects are common? What should be done if they occur?
• Should I try non-drug methods to relieve my pain, too, like relaxation or massage?

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