More than 10 million people around the world live with cancer pain, which can persist even after successful treatment. This program presents case studies of cancer survivors who have confronted ongoing, debilitating pain; it also features commentary from experts and highlights pain therapies—those available today and those on the horizon. Dr. Gail Cooney of the Hospice of Palm Beach County, Florida, overviews palliative medical advances and the use of the Wong-Baker FACES pain scale, while Valarie Worthy, a nurse and breast cancer survivor, discusses the problem of pain denial. Dr. Richard Payne, Professor of Medicine and Divinity at Duke University, also contributes expertise. (27 minutes)

Pain management is essential to the best practice of oncology. Yet, not until the 1980s, did the WHO recognize that cancer pain should be treated along with the disease of cancer itself.

A significant number of cancer patients do not receive adequate care for their pain. Patients fear bringing up the topic of pain to their health providers. Patients can advocate for themselves and request treatment for pain.

Health care providers often do not prioritize pain relief. Clinicians must ask patients about pain. Pain affects all aspects of people's lives. Cancer pain takes a toll on caregivers and family. Opioids block pain at the brain receptor level.

Pain specialists prescribe potent painkillers to a patient who spend months in hospitals for her cancer pain. Some patients reject opioids because they fear becoming addicted.

Patients who experience extreme discomfort may receive potent medications via injection or subcutaneous pump. Oral medications that dissolve in the mouth provide rapid relief for sudden bouts of pain. Cannabis-based drugs are also available.

Supportive pain therapies belong to the category of palliative care, a recently recognized medical sub-specialty. Palliative care may include physical therapy, massage, meditation, and biofeedback.