Cancer pain can almost always be relieved or lessened. Many medicines and methods can be used to control cancer pain. The patients should expect his health care team to work with him to keep him as comfortable as possible. If the patient is in pain and the doctor has nothing more to offer, he should ask to see a pain specialist or have his doctor consult with a pain specialist. Controlling cancer pain is part of cancer treatment. The doctor wants and needs to hear about what works for pain and what does not. Keeping pain from starting and keeping it from getting worse are the best ways to control it. Pain is best relieved when treated early. Some people refer to this as "staying on top of the pain." The patient should not try to hold off as long as possible between doses because the pain may get worse. Then it may take longer or a larger dose of medicine may be needed to give relief. The patient has a right to ask for pain relief. Talking about pain is not a sign of weakness. Not everyone feels pain in the same way. The patient should not "tough it out" or be "brave" if experiencing more pain than other people with the same kind of cancer. In fact, as soon the pain begins, the patient should speak up. Remember, it is easier to control pain right when it begins rather than to wait until it becomes severe.