Conditions

Cancer & Complex Pain

Cancer and complex pain can make even simple tasks like sitting, walking, or resting feel overwhelming. From persistent pain related to cancer, to ongoing discomfort after surgery or injury, this type of pain can affect sleep, work, and your overall quality of life. At Advanced Pain Specialists, we understand how physically and emotionally draining these conditions can be, and we provide personalised care to help you manage pain, improve function, and regain comfort and confidence in your daily life

Our Doctor

Dr Diana Chan: Cancer & Complex Pain Specialist in Singapore

Anaesthesiologist & Pain Specialist

Dr Diana Chan brings over 20 years of expertise and a deeply personal approach to pain care. As former Head of Department of Pain Medicine at Singapore General Hospital, she is trained in advanced interventional techniques and multidisciplinary management, and believes that no patient should have to face severe pain alone. A mother of two, she understands the everyday impact of pain and is committed to helping each patient regain comfort and a meaningful quality of life.

Understanding Cancer & Complex Pain

Cancer and complex pain can arise from a variety of causes, including cancer itself, surgery, or injuries that leave lasting discomfort. Symptoms such as persistent aching, sharp or stabbing pain, or widespread soreness can make everyday activities like moving, sleeping, or focusing on work and family challenging and exhausting. Understanding the underlying cause of your pain is key to finding effective relief, improving function, and regaining comfort in your daily life.

Who We Help

We support individuals whose cancer-related or complex pain is affecting their daily comfort, function, and quality of life. If your pain is persistent, recurring, or not responding well to usual treatments, you’re not alone and help is available.

We commonly care for people experiencing:

Ongoing pain from cancer or cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation
Persistent pain after surgery that limits movement or daily activities
Chronic discomfort or stiffness following an injury that hasn’t fully healed
Pain that affects sleep, work, or the ability to enjoy everyday life

Cancer & Complex Pain Conditions

We treat a range of cancer and complex pain conditions, helping you find effective relief.

Cancer-Related Pain

Pain caused by cancer itself or its treatments, which can affect any part of the body and make daily activities difficult.

Post-Surgical Chronic Pain

Ongoing pain that persists after surgery, even once the initial healing is complete, affecting movement and comfort.

Persistent Pain After Injury

Pain that continues long after an injury has healed, sometimes limiting activity or causing discomfort in everyday tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are medications, injections, or nerve blocks safe for my condition?

Yes, we use treatments that are carefully chosen for your condition, and we monitor you closely to ensure they are safe and effective.

Can my pain return after treatment, and how can it be prevented?

Pain can sometimes return, but we focus on ongoing management, follow-ups, and lifestyle strategies to reduce the chance and help you stay comfortable.

How do you tailor pain management for someone with cancer pain?

We personalise your plan based on your type of pain, treatment stage, overall health, and goals, combining medications, procedures, and supportive therapies.

What side effects or risks should I be aware of with each treatment?

Each treatment has potential side effects, but we explain them clearly and take every step to minimise risk while monitoring you throughout care.

Will pain treatments or procedures interfere with my ongoing cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy?

We coordinate closely with your oncology team to ensure pain treatments complement your cancer care and do not interfere with your ongoing therapy.