Are cancer deaths always painful?

No: Some cancers, especially in the central nervous system (brain) can produce chemicals which cause a general feeling of euphoria. Even painful cancers (like bone) can be relieved by appropriate use of opioid pain medication and with hospice care. Dr. J.

No: Cancer pain usually results from spread to bone or nerve, sometimes local measures can keep these under control. Some cancer deaths are agonizing and require a great deal of medication. Others are pain-free, as was my late mother's. In contrast to the barbaric policies of the past, today's politicians are more willing to allow physicians to manage end-stage cancer pain.