TAMPA, Fla. – While the last days of October mark the end of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, those diagnosed with breast cancer still struggle with the symptoms and pain, even as the national conversation around the disease begins to dwindle. One Tampa doctor specializing in oncology and interventional pain treatment is providing tips to those experiencing painful symptoms of breast cancer and how best to manage their pain; a reminder that even though October has ended, the support for their fight continues.

According to Dr. Sunil Panchal, president of the National Institute of Spine and Pain and former director and founder of the interventional pain medicine program at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, physical pain is often a symptom of breast cancer treatment or breast cancer itself. Pain can range from acute to chronic, and often involves other side effects like nausea, dizziness, weakness, depression or mood swings. Breast cancer, especially if metastasized, can cause pain in muscles, joints and bones, limiting range of motion and causing difficulty sleeping or performing everyday activities.

“Unfortunately, breast cancer is a disease that comes with a lot of physical ailments that can stem from the cancer or as a result of treatment, including neuropathic pain from surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy,” said Panchal, who has worked in interventional pain medicine for more than 25 years. “There are different ways to alleviate such pain, but it is important to consult with a specialist to find the best treatment option for your particular situation.”

For those currently in treatment for breast cancer, Panchal shares several methods to help better manage their pain: 

• Take medication as prescribed. Always be sure to take your prescribed medication as directed and don’t skip doses of nerve-stabilizing medication, even if you are not having any pain at the moment. Make sure all doctors are aware of which pain medications you are taking. Be sure to discuss with your pharmacist and plan accordingly so as not to run out of medication.
• Keep a pain journal. Keeping a pain journal can keep your doctor and other members of your medical team updated with cataloged instances of pain and help with prescribing treatment. Be sure to note the date, time, location of pain, what it feels like, intensity, how long it lasts, and what activities you were participating in before the pain occurred. 
• Avoid opioids if possible as studies have demonstrated increased metastasis due to effects on the immune system and increased osteoporosis. Speak with your doctor if you have a history of substance abuse. There are many non-opioid pain medications, also called non-narcotic analgesics, that are not habit-forming like opioids. These medicines can include Tylenol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen, and nerve-stabilizing medications like gabapentin and tizanidine.
• Ask for a referral to an interventional pain physician. If the pain treatment plan you are undergoing isn’t working, it is important to speak up. Let your doctor know if the pain isn’t subsiding or if the medicines you are taking are causing adverse effects. If needed, ask for a referral to an interventional pain specialist. Many hospitals and cancer centers have interventional pain specialists at their disposal to help with chronic pain issues with simple outpatient procedures.

According to Panchal, pain treatment options should always be on the agenda when discussing a treatment plan with your doctor or medical team. All pain experienced before, during and after breast cancer treatment should be noted as to get ahead of any worsening conditions, such as metastasis. Dr. Panchal recommends consulting with your doctor before implementing any pain treatment methods on your own.

If you or someone you know are dealing with pain issues and have additional questions, contact the National Institute of Spine and Pain at 813.264.7246 or by visiting www.nationalinstituteofpain.org. 

About National Institute of Spine and Pain

Established in 2006, the National Institute of Spine and Pain is a medical organization dedicated to the relief of human suffering by providing advanced spine, orthopedic and pain therapies while also developing scientific knowledge through research. NISP’s goal is to advance the quality of the treatment of pain and spine issues with an interdisciplinary board-certified team to provide comprehensive care to our patients and their families via a network of centers of excellence.

For media-related inquiries, please contact our PR firm at 813.279.8335 or email news@judgepr.com.