Chronic Pain and Cancer

According to a study at Manchester University, people who complain of chronic pain throughout their body may be twice as likely to die from cancer.

Researchers studied 6,500 people over 8 years and reported 654 deaths. 15% of respondents complained of pain throughout their body while 50% reported pain in one area. Patients who complained of pain were more likely to die from cancer, while widespread pain could double the risk.

Professor Gary MacFarlane believes that cancer sufferers could have a heightened perception of pain, which would explain the link.

Meanwhile, Edith Maskell of Bromley Health Management gave another explanation:

"You have to remember that our perception of pain is affected by our emotional as well as physical health. Whilst chronic pain is a very real condition, it doesn't always mean there's something seriously and physically wrong".

"Other research suggests, when we are unhappy, we are more likely to experience pain and more prone to diseases such as cancer. I believe that looking at the emotional well-being of the patients in this study would have told us more".

Thursday, 1 November 2001