Can Medication Help Relieve Pain in Stomach Cancer Patients?

When stomach cancer leads to pain, the use of pain-relief medications can significantly help in managing the discomfort. However, patients are strongly advised to avoid certain painkillers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including common tablets like Analgin or Voltaren. These medications can cause further damage to the stomach lining, increasing the risk of severe gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be life-threatening.

For pain caused directly by stomach cancer, doctors often prescribe oral narcotic medications. Drugs like MS Contin (a long-acting form of morphine), other morphine-based medications, or even pethidine (Demerol) may be used. These medications are considered safe and effective for cancer-related pain when used under medical supervision.

In more advanced cases, if the cancer has spread and is pressing on nerves, the pain can become severe and persistent. Some family members may worry about the patient becoming addicted to narcotics and may limit the use of these painkillers. However, modern medicine emphasizes that for patients in the advanced stages of stomach cancer, the primary goal is to improve quality of life by managing symptoms like pain effectively.

Physicians may gradually increase the dosage of pain medication until the patient experiences adequate relief. This approach is both ethical and medically supported, ensuring that patients can live more comfortably despite their condition. Pain management in terminal cancer care focuses on compassion, dignity, and symptom control rather than concerns about dependency.