Is pain a common side effect of ovarian cancer treatment?

Yes, pain is fairly common during and after ovarian cancer treatment, and it can usually be managed effectively with a tailored plan. Surgical treatment often causes temporary pain and tenderness at the operation site, typically controlled with pain medicines. ^[1] Chemotherapy, radiation, and the cancer itself can also cause pain, though many effective options exist to relieve it, and you have a right to adequate pain control as part of your care. ^{[2] [3]} Integrating palliative (supportive) care alongside active cancer treatment can further reduce pain and improve quality of life. ^{[4] [5]}

Why pain happens

• Surgery-related pain: It’s common to have pain and local tenderness after ovarian cancer surgery; this is usually well controlled with medication. ^[1]
• Treatment-related pain: Chemotherapy and radiation can cause pain, and some drugs may lead to nerve pain (peripheral neuropathy), which feels like burning, tingling, or shooting pain. ^[2]
• Cancer-related pain: Tumors can press on nerves, bones, or organs or release chemicals that trigger pain; treating the cancer can relieve this, but treatments can also contribute to pain. ^[2]
• During survivorship: Pain, nausea, and fatigue can persist after treatment, and specialist pain services can help with both sudden (acute) and longer-lasting (chronic) pain. ^{[6] [7]}

How pain is assessed and approached

Good pain care starts with regular screening and clear description of your pain (location, type, intensity, triggers) to choose the right mix of treatments and adjust them over time. ^[8] Palliative care teams work with your oncology team to provide an extra layer of support focused on symptom relief while you continue cancer-directed therapies. ^{[4] [5]}

Medical treatments that can help

• Non‑opioid pain relievers: Acetaminophen and NSAIDs are often first choices for mild to moderate pain, when appropriate. Treating pain is considered part of overall cancer care. ^[3]
• Opioids (when needed): If other medicines aren’t enough, opioids can be very effective for cancer pain at any stage when used as directed by your care team. ^[9]
• Neuropathic pain options: If you develop nerve pain from chemotherapy (for example with platinum drugs or taxanes), your team may use medicines targeted for neuropathic pain and adjust cancer drugs as needed. ^{[10] [11]}
• Managing side effects of pain meds: Constipation and other opioid side effects are common but can be prevented and managed effectively through an interdisciplinary plan. ^[12]

Non-drug therapies that reduce pain

• Physical modalities: Heat or cold, gentle exercise, and assistive devices can ease movement-related pain with minimal side effects. ^[13]
• Mind–body therapies: Relaxation techniques, guided imagery, meditation, and cognitive-behavioral strategies can lower stress and help with pain control. ^[14]
• Supportive services: Comprehensive survivorship and supportive care programs provide coordinated solutions for pain, fatigue, and emotional well‑being during and after treatment. ^{[6] [7]}

The role of palliative (supportive) care

Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on relief of pain and other symptoms and can be provided alongside surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. ^[4] When integrated with cancer treatment, it can help people feel better and may even help them live longer. ^[5]

Practical tips for users

• Report pain early: Many people do not receive enough pain treatment; speaking up allows your team to help sooner. ^{[15] [3]}
• Be specific: Describe the quality (aching, burning), timing, and what helps or worsens it to guide targeted treatment. ^[8]
• Use a combined approach: Blending medicines, non‑drug therapies, and supportive care often works best. ^{[4] [13]}
• Plan for side effects: Ask for a bowel regimen with opioids and discuss sleep, mood, and activity plans to support pain control. ^[12]

Summary

Pain during ovarian cancer treatment is common, but there are many effective ways to manage it, from simple pain relievers and opioids when appropriate, to nerve‑pain treatments, physical methods, and supportive care services. ^{[1] [2]} Working closely with your oncology and palliative care teams, regularly reviewing your pain, and using both medical and non‑medical strategies can keep you as comfortable as possible during and after treatment. ^{[4] [5] [13] [12] [6]}