Symptom control

 Although the control of the symptoms of cancer is not typically thought of as a treatment directed at the cancer, it is an important determinant of the quality of life of cancer patients, and plays an important role in the decision whether the patient is able to undergo other treatments. Although all practicing doctors have the therapeutic skills to control pain, vomiting, diarrhea, hemorrhage and other common problems in cancer patients, the multidisciplinary specialty of palliative treatment has arisen specifically in response to the symptom control needs.

 Pain medication, such as morphine, drugs to suppress vomiting, are very commonly used in patients with cancer-related symptoms.

 Chronic pain (chronic pain it is defined as pain that lasts 6 months or longer) due to cancer is almost always associated with continuing tissue damage due to the disease or the treatment (i.e. surgery, radiation, chemotherapy). Furthermore, many patients with severe pain associated with cancer are nearing the end of their lives and palliative therapies are required. Cancer patients are dealing with social stigma, work and functional status. Hence, the typical strategy for pain management is to get the patient as comfortable as possible using certain medications, surgery, and physical measures.