The Vicious Cycle: Pain and Substance Use Among Cancer Survivors
Pain and the use of substances like cigarettes, e-cigarettes, alcohol, and cannabis often go hand-in-hand in the general population. this connection is particularly relevant for cancer survivors, who frequently grapple with pain as a consequence of their illness and treatment.
A recent study published in the journal CANCER sheds light on this complex relationship, analyzing data from two national samples of cancer survivors in the United States. The study, led by Jessica M. Powers, PhD, of Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, aimed to characterize the link between pain and non-opioid substance use in this vulnerable population.
The researchers drew upon data from 1,252 adults from Wave 6 (2021) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study and 4,130 adults from the 2020 National Health Interview Survey. Their findings revealed a meaningful correlation between pain and substance use patterns among cancer survivors.
“these findings show that because pain and substance use are interconnected among cancer survivors, it’s important to focus on treating both together in cancer care,” Dr. Powers emphasized. ”Pain can drive substance use, and substance use can worsen pain, creating a cycle that’s hard to break.”
The Study’s Key Findings:
Higher pain intensity was associated with a greater likelihood of using cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and cannabis among cancer survivors. This suggests that individuals experiencing more severe pain may turn to these substances as a means of coping.
Conversely, higher pain intensity was linked to a lower likelihood of alcohol consumption. This finding highlights the complex interplay between different types of substances and pain management strategies.
Chronic pain was associated with a greater likelihood of cigarette smoking and a lower likelihood of alcohol use in the National Health Interview Survey data. This finding reinforces the connection between chronic pain and substance use patterns.
The Harmful Cycle:
The study underscores the dangers of this interconnectedness. While cancer survivors might initially use cigarettes or othre substances to alleviate pain and manage other symptoms like fatigue and sleep difficulties, these substances can ultimately worsen their condition.
“While cancer survivors might smoke cigarettes or use substances to get immediate relief from their pain and cope with other symptoms, this can be incredibly harmful for their health by reducing the effectiveness of cancer treatments and increasing risk for cancer recurrence,” Dr. Powers explained.
Practical Implications and Solutions:
The study’s findings have significant implications for healthcare providers and policymakers. Integrated Pain Management: Cancer care should prioritize integrated pain management strategies that address both the physical and psychological aspects of pain. This may involve a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating medication, physical therapy, psychological counseling, and lifestyle modifications.
Substance Use Screening and Intervention: Healthcare providers should routinely screen cancer survivors for substance use and provide appropriate interventions if needed. This could include counseling, support groups, or medication-assisted treatment.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns can educate cancer survivors about the risks of substance use and promote healthy coping mechanisms for pain management.
Real-World Examples:
In the United States, the opioid epidemic has highlighted the dangers of relying solely on medication for pain management. many cancer survivors have turned to opioids for pain relief, but these medications can be highly addictive and have serious side effects.
The study’s findings underscore the need for alternative pain management strategies, such as non-opioid medications, physical therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions.
Moving Forward:
Addressing the complex interplay between pain and substance use among cancer survivors requires a multifaceted approach. By prioritizing integrated pain management, substance use screening and intervention, and public awareness campaigns, healthcare providers and policymakers can help break the vicious cycle and improve the quality of life for cancer survivors.
Trapped in a cycle: A Conversation About Pain adn Substance Use Among Cancer Survivors
Time.news editor: Dr. Powers’ recent study in CANCER highlights a critical issue: the connection between pain and substance use among cancer survivors. Can you explain the core findings of this research and why it matters?
Future Expert: Certainly. The study reveals a strong correlation between higher pain intensity and an increased likelihood of using cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and cannabis among cancer survivors. Conversely, those experiencing higher pain levels were less likely to consume alcohol.
This highlights the complex relationship between pain and substance use, showing how people turn to various substances to cope with pain.However, what’s concerning is that these substances can ultimately worsen pain and negatively impact overall health, notably cancer treatment effectiveness.
Time.news Editor: That’s alarming. What are the practical implications of these findings for healthcare providers treating cancer survivors?
Future Expert: First and foremost, integrated pain management must become the standard of care. This means addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of pain, not just relying on medication. It could involve a combination of non-opioid pain relievers, physical therapy, psychological counseling, and lifestyle modifications.
Secondly, routine screening for substance use is crucial. Healthcare providers should be equipped to identify patients who may be struggling with substance use and offer appropriate interventions, including counseling or medication-assisted treatment.
Time.news Editor: Public awareness campaigns also seem vital.What kind of messaging would be most effective in reaching cancer survivors?
Future Expert: Campaigns should focus on educating survivors about the risks of relying on substances for pain management. They should also highlight the benefits of exploring choice pain management strategies and provide resources for finding support.
It’s important to approach this conversation with empathy and understanding. Cancer survivors are already facing immense challenges, and feeling overwhelmed by pain is completely valid. Providing them with safe, effective, and holistic pain management options, while addressing potential substance use challenges, is essential.