How to Reduce the Pain Caused by Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is caused by malignant tumors found in the breast tissue. These tumors can cause pain, as can some of the treatments for the disease. It's important to know how to reduce the pain, both physical and emotional, caused by breast cancer.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Learn the risk factors for breast cancer. These include smoking and a family history of breast cancer.

2. Know that many hospitals have pain specialists. Oncologists and other physicians may be focused on finding effective treatment for the disease and may not spend as much time trying to make the patient comfortable. The American Cancer Society believes that most cancer patients are under-medicated for pain.

3. Reduce the fear caused by your cancer and your treatment by sharing your feelings with others in your support group. They may have advice on how to alleviate your discomfort. Group therapy and family therapy are also options for working through your fears.

4. Reduce the pain caused by cancer by learning meditation techniques and integrating them into your life. Many hospitals now offer meditation classes at a reduced cost for certain health plan members.

5. Call your doctor to have your prescription altered if you feel that your pain medication is ineffective. Unnecessary pain will only make the healing process more difficult. You need a clear head when dealing with cancer of any type.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor to refer you to a pain management specialist or to recommend one in your community. You have the right to seek maximum relief from your pain.
• Protect yourself from becoming overwhelmed by the stress and anxiety of a cancer diagnosis by connecting with your hospital's breast cancer support group. The American Cancer Society can also connect you to a group (see Resources below).
• The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) offers an online informational document on the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to employees suffering from cancer (see Resources below).
• Anxiety disorder is a fairly common effect of dealing with a cancer diagnosis or treatment. If you or a loved one is dealing with this disorder, social interaction in the form of support groups can help, as can psychotherapy or hypnosis.

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