Does advanced cancer always cause severe pain?

No. Advanced cancer does not always bring severe pain.

Some people assume that there will always be severe pain with advanced cancer, but this does not have to be the case. Pain can be managed throughout the course of the disease. People whose pain is managed are often able to focus on enjoying life; they can sleep better, spend time with friends and family, and take part in daily activities they enjoy.

The key is to be honest and open about your pain. Tell your doctors if and where you have pain, and let them know how well your pain plan is working. Members of your health care team can help, and sometimes a palliative care specialist is the best person to treat pain. It is not something you simply have to put up with.