Smoking may enhance chronic pain in cancer patients

By Staff Writer

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states that chronic pain can be associated with cancer. The results of a new study indicated that the pain cancer patients feel can become more severe among cigarette smokers.

Researchers studied 224 cancer patients who were about to start chemotherapy. These individuals, who had a wide range of cancer types and stages, answered questions about their pain.

Patient answers revealed that smokers experienced more severe pain than nonsmokers. In addition, individuals who smoke were more distressed by their pain, and said that it caused more disruption in their daily life.

According to the researchers, nicotine use narrows the arteries and affects the heart and lung's ability to deliver oxygen to the body. In addition, smoking increases heart rate and blood pressure, slows healing and contributes to chronic pain and fatigue.

More research is needed to learn about the link between nicotine and pain. However, researchers behind the study said that the longer a cancer patient can abstain from smoking, the less pain they may experience.

Individuals afflicted by pain that is disruptive to their daily life may want to pursue chronic pain treatment.