Causes of pain
Children with cancer can experience pain from many sources:
- The cancer itself can cause bone or tissue pain
- Cancer treatments can have side effects such as mouth sores or skin breakdown
- Certain tests necessary to diagnose and treat cancer can be painful
Make sure the child's health team is made aware of any pain. Many strategies are available to help manage a child's pain.
How children understand pain as they grow
0-3 months
- Children do not seem to understand pain
- Memory for pain is likely, but not proven
- May show pain by kicking or crying
3 -6 months
- Sadness and anger are a part of the pain response
6-18 months
- Memory for pain exists
- Fearful of painful situations
- Uses words like owie, ouchie, or boo-boo to describe pain
18-24 months
- Uses the word "hurt" to describe pain
- Tries to avoid situations or objects that hurt them in the past
- Will seek hugs, kisses, and medicine to deal with pain
2-3 years
- Can describe pain and explain what caused the pain
3-5 years
- Can describe the level of pain (no pain, a little pain, lots of pain)
- Will use distractions and play to relieve pain
5-7 years
- Can more clearly describe levels of pain
- Can use coping techniques to distract self from pain
- Uses positive self-statements
7-10 years
- Can explain why a pain hurts
11 years and older
- Can explain the value of pain
Use of pain medicines
If a child has pain, it is safe to use pain medicine. Some parents are concerned that taking a pain medicine such as morphine can lead to addiction. Less than 1% of people who take pain medicines become addicted. The type of pain medicine, the amount and how it is given will depend on the type of pain, the size of the child, and whether or not he or she can take medicine by mouth. The health team's goal is to make the child as comfortable as possible. Always talk with the doctor or nurse before giving a child pain medicine at home.
Other ways to help with a child’s pain
You may already know how to make the child more comfortable. Parents and family usually know the child best. Tell the members of the health team if you think the child is in pain. They should welcome any suggestions about what has helped the child in the past. Many other techniques that may be used with pain medicines can be helpful.
- Distraction is a way to help the child think about or focus on something fun or relaxing, like watching a movie or listening to music.
- Deep breathing helps the body to relax, and can also serve as a distraction.
- Visual imagery is a technique where a person pictures herself in a safe, relaxing, or fun place.
Any of these techniques may help the child feel less pain and be more relaxed. Members of the health team can assist with techniques that can help the child.
February 2007