How to Reduce the Pain Caused by Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer exists in two dominant forms: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. These exhibit similar symptoms and are treated in much the same way. Cervical cancer is one of the more treatable forms of cancer and has a very high survival rate. Even so, discomfort and side effects caused by cervical cancer treatments are inevitable, so finding ways to reduce the pain is important.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Doctor/gynecologist/oncologist

1. Ask your doctor about prescription medications to help reduce the pain caused by cervical cancer. Several powerful painkillers are available that do not interact with cancer treatments.
2. Take over-the-counter medications to help with mild discomfort that does not require a more powerful prescription painkiller. These are far cheaper than prescription drugs and work well in most situations. They are also far less likely to cause unwanted side effects.
3. Address pain and treatment side effects with homeopathic or other nonprescription remedies. Drinking ginger tea is great for dealing with nausea, for example, while muscle-rub creams can help with the aches and pains of chemotherapy and bed sores. Look into alternative remedies like acupuncture and massage.
4. Change your diet to include more fruits and vegetables. According to the American Cancer Society, diet and exercise are two important components of fighting cervical cancer as well as preventing it.
5. Follow up by weaning yourself off pain medications once your cancer treatments are complete. Do this in a manner and timeframe approved by your doctor. It is probably not advisable to go cold turkey. Rather, you should intelligently reduce the amount of pain medication you take until you stop taking it altogether.
6. Look into hospice care if you or a loved one have terminal cancer. Hospice, sometimes known as palliative care, does not seek to cure the patient of cancer. Rather, it works to reduce pain and improve quality of life as the patient prepares to pass on.

Tips & Warnings

• Always remember that you are entitled to participate in discussions about treatment of your condition. Whether you want to help make decisions regarding treatment or a say in the methods used to reduce your pain, the Patient's Bill of Rights gives you the authority to speak up.
• Ask your doctor about concerns you may have about addiction issues. If you are a recovering alcoholic or addict or if you have a tendency toward addiction, tell your doctor. You may be able to use painkillers that are not based on opiates.
• Always ask your doctor what specifically you can do to help reduce the pain associated with cervical cancer and its treatment. Don't take any drugs that may interact with cancer treatments, as this will hinder effectiveness and, in rare cases, cause further complications.
• Extreme and chronic pain can lead to depression. Let your healthcare team know if you are battling feelings of helplessness or overwhelming fatigue. They can help you recover from the psychological effects of your cancer experience.