who can help?
Pain is different for everyone. It’s important to tell the cancer doctors and nurses looking after you at the hospital about your pain and how bad it is so they can help control it. Most cancer hospitals have a palliative care team. Part of their job is to help people that are in pain whatever part of their treatment they’re at and even if they are in remission. They can see anyone with cancer who is having pain. If you’re at home you can also contact your GP.
do the drugs always work?
Doctors decide what type of painkiller to give you depending on what type of pain it is and how bad it is. They’ll always prescribe the type of painkiller they think is most likely to work for you. They’ll also tell you when and how often to take it - so that it has the best chance of helping your pain.
But if you find that you’re still in pain despite having painkillers, then let your doctor or nurse know. There are lots of different painkillers available and sometimes you have to try out one or two to find what’s best for you.
