Cancer Pain 癌痛
Cancer Pain Is Not “Normal” Pain — And It Should Not Be Endured
Cancer pain is not the same as everyday pain. It is often persistent, deep, and unpredictable — sometimes sharp and stabbing, other times dull and aching. For many patients, cancer pain affects not only the body but also emotional wellbeing, leading to frustration, anxiety, fatigue, and loss of independence.
Simple daily activities such as walking, eating, or sleeping may become increasingly difficult when pain is poorly controlled.
While cancer pain may not disappear completely, appropriate and timely cancer pain management can prevent it from dominating a patient’s life. With early intervention, pain can remain controllable, functional, and livable, allowing patients to preserve dignity and quality of life.
Why Early Cancer Pain Management Matters
Many patients only seek help when pain becomes overwhelming. Some endure symptoms silently, unaware that early pain intervention is possible and effective. By the time help is sought, pain may already be severe and more difficult to control.
Early involvement of a Pain Specialist allows pain to be addressed proactively, rather than reactively. Timely management often leads to better symptom control, improved function, and reduced physical and emotional distress.
How Cancer Pain Is Managed by Dr. Aldred Soo Cheng Wei
As a Pain Management Physician and Consultant Anaesthetist, my approach to cancer pain management focuses on a structured and individualised plan. This commonly includes the following three components:
1. Non-Pharmacological Approaches
Supportive strategies such as posture optimisation, gentle movement, activity pacing, and physical comfort measures can reduce stress on the body. These methods complement medical treatment and help patients conserve energy while maintaining function.
2. Pharmacological Treatment
Medications are selected carefully to control pain while preserving alertness and daily function whenever possible. The goal is not simply pain relief, but meaningful comfort that allows patients to remain engaged in daily life.
3. Image-Guided Pain Interventions
For patients whose pain is not adequately controlled with medication alone, fluoroscopy- or ultrasound-guided procedures may be considered. These targeted interventions address pain at its source and can significantly reduce symptom burden in selected cases.
Cancer Pain Should Never Be Suffered in Silence
Cancer pain is real, complex, and treatable.
When managed early and appropriately, it does not need to define a patient’s daily experience.
Patients have the right to comfort, dignity, and quality of life — and seeking help early is a critical step toward achieving that.
癌痛不是普通疼痛，也不该被默默忍受!
癌痛绝不是一般的疼痛。
它一般持续存在、深层且难以预测，有时刺痛，有时隐隐作痛。许多患者因此感到沮丧、焦虑或疲惫，连走路、进食或睡眠等日常活动都变得困难。
虽然癌痛未必能完全消失，但透过适当的疼痛管理，它可以被有效控制，与宿主共生，且不至于主宰患者的生活。
及早介入，是癌痛管理的关键。
在马来西亚，许多患者只有在疼痛已难以忍受时才寻求帮助，仅仅因为不知道癌痛是可以及早介入的。然而，越早接受疼痛管理，控制效果往往越理想。
癌痛管理的三大方向
作为疼痛管理专科医生及麻醉科顾问医生，苏程威医生在癌痛管理中通常着重以下三方面：
非药物治疗
透过姿势调整、轻柔活动与生活节奏安排，减轻身体负担，并辅助其他治疗方式。药物治疗
药物经谨慎选择，在缓解疼痛的同时尽量维持患者的警觉性与日常功能。透视或超声引导下的介入治疗
针对疼痛源头进行精准处理，尤其适用于单靠药物无法有效缓解的情况。
癌痛不应被默默忍受。只要及早管理，疼痛是可以保持可控的，患者也有权利在疾病过程中，继续追求尊严与生活质量。
Dr Aldred Soo Cheng Wei
Pain Specialist Malaysia & Consultant Anaesthetist
Special interest in Cancer Pain Management and ICU care
