At What Stage Does Cancer Become Painful?

This presentation delves into the timing and factors influencing the emergence of pain in cancer patients. It examines how cancer progression, location, and individual differences contribute to the onset of pain, emphasizing the need for tailored pain management strategies.

1. AT WHAT STAGE DOES
CANCER BECOME
PAINFUL?

2. WHAT IS
CANCER?
Cancer is characterized by
the abnormal growth of cells
with the potential to invade
or spread to other parts of
the body. It encompasses
various types, including solid
tumours and blood cancers.

3. CANCER
DEVELOPMENT
Stages of Cancer:
1. Initiation: DNA damage
triggers abnormal cell growth.
2. Promotion: Continued growth
and division of mutated cells.
3. Progression: Invasion into
nearby tissues and potential
spread to distant organs
(metastasis).

4. CAUSES OF CANCER-RELATED PAIN
- Compression or invasion of nearby tissues or
organs by the tumour.
- Involvement of nerves, leading to neuropathic pain.
- Inflammation triggered by the immune response.
- Side effects of cancer treatments, such as
chemotherapy or surgery.

5. FACTORS INFLUENCING CANCER PAIN
- Type and location of cancer.
- Stage of cancer (early vs. advanced).
- Individual pain tolerance.
- Presence of other health conditions.

6. PAIN IN EARLY-STAGE
CANCER
- Certain aggressive cancers
may cause pain even in the
early stages.
- Tumors located in sensitive
areas, such as bone cancer.
- Complications like nerve
compression by the tumour.

7. PAIN IN ADVANCED-STAGE
CANCER
- Spread of cancer to distant
organs or tissues.
- Larger tumour size and increased
pressure on surrounding structures.
- Intensive treatments, such as
radiation or surgery, may cause
pain.

8. PAIN MANAGEMENT
STRATEGIES
- Medications, including analgesics,
opioids, and adjuvant drugs.
- Non-pharmacological
interventions like physical therapy
and relaxation techniques.
- Interventional procedures such as
nerve blocks or radiofrequency
ablation.
- Integration of palliative care and
supportive therapies.

9. THANK
YOU!