WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | Cancer patients don't have to live with unbearable pain, there is help

Cancer patients don't have to live with unbearable pain, there is help

The Virginia Cancer Pain Initiative is hosting a free conference October 2nd to educate cancer patients and their families about pain management.

Doctor Tina Smusz with Carilion New River Valley Medical Center says pain not only destroys hope it can also affect how well their cancer treatment works.

"Pain isn't something to be ashamed of,  it's an important symptom that needs to be addressed and will make their treatment more effective over time," said Dr. Smusz, the Director of Palliative Care.

Patient may not realize they are literally hundreds of pain medications, giving doctors many drugs to try.

"People worry about the side effects and there are so many different medications to choose from we can find one that doesn't have side effects that trouble them, "said Dr. Smusz. 

Ssmuz says doctors can get the pain down to a manageable level and for many people they pain can be eradicated.

Smusz has even seen cancer patients live longer and have hope again, just because their pain was well treated.

"We even have hospice patients who once we get their pain under control and their able to begin eating again and sleeping regularly,  they begin thriving and are no longer hospice patients, and some of them will re-enter aggressive care," said Smusz.

The cancer pain conference is October 2nd from 1 to 3pm at the Knollwood Building in Blacksburg. For more information call 1-800-393-0857

This event is also co-hosted Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine and the American Cancer Society.