When to Call a Doctor

If you have cancer, call your doctor if any of the following occur:

• You have new pain.
• Your drugs or other treatments are no longer working.
• Your pain medicine is not working long enough after each dose.
• You have new symptoms, such as having a hard time walking, eating, or urinating.
• You notice an unusual rash, or bowel or bladder changes.
• You have unexpected or poorly controlled side effects, such as nausea or vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea.
• Your pain makes it hard for you to do your daily activities, such as eating or sleeping.

Who to See

The following health professionals can help treat cancer pain:

• Internist
• Family medicine physician
• Surgeon
• Medical oncologist
• Radiation oncologist
• Anesthesiologist
• Nurse practitioner
• Physician assistant
• Neurologist

Your pain may be managed by a team that may include doctors (including pain specialists or palliative care specialists), nurses, psychologists, social workers, and pharmacists. Be sure that all the members of your health care team know about any changes in your pain control diary. You may wish to use one person, such as your medical oncologist, as a team leader who will make sure that all team members share information.