What can I take for pain?

Ask your team first, every time. Some ordinary painkillers you can buy without a prescription are not safe alongside cancer treatment, and one common type can mask a fever.

Pain that is well controlled is part of the treatment working, so asking for more is expected rather than indulgent. If what you have is not enough, say so early rather than proving you can cope.

Written by two physicians. Checked against patient information from the US National Cancer Institute and Cancer Research UK.