FPM backs calls for cancer prevention funding to help reduce chronic pain
The Faculty of Pain Medicine’s New Zealand National Committee (FPM NZNC) is supporting calls for stronger investment in cancer prevention measures, including human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and equitable cervical screening access.
Persistent pain affects about 27 per cent of New Zealand adults, according to the latest New Zealand Health Survey, and is one of the leading causes of disability and reduced quality of life in Aotearoa New Zealand.
While chronic pain is often associated with injuries or musculoskeletal conditions, many New Zealanders also develop long-term pain as a direct consequence of cancer and cancer treatment.
FPM NZNC chair Dr Charlotte Hill says prevention of cancer is also prevention of chronic pain and suffering.
“Cancer treatments can save lives, but surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy can also leave people with persistent pain that lasts for months or years after treatment.”
The committee supports the Cancer Society of New Zealand’s recent calls for fully funded cervical screening and improved HPV vaccination uptake.
HPV vaccination is already known to prevent cervical cancer and a growing number of head and neck cancers.
New Zealand researchers including Professor Swee Tan have highlighted the rising burden of HPV-related head and neck cancer in Aotearoa and the importance of vaccination programs.
Internationally, a 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis found about one-third of head and neck cancer survivors experienced persistent pain after treatment, with some studies reporting even higher rates of chronic and neuropathic pain.
Research also identified significant ongoing pain and quality-of-life impacts in cervical cancer survivors following treatment.
Dr Hill says prevention is particularly important because chronic post-cancer pain can be difficult to treat effectively once established.
“Historically, opioids were often used for cancer-related pain, particularly during active treatment. However, when people survive cancer and go on to live for many years, long-term opioid therapy is not an ideal solution for persistent chronic pain.
“While we do have some effective medications for neuropathic pain, they do not work well for everyone, and many patients continue to experience significant pain, fatigue and reduced quality of life despite treatment.
“From a pain medicine perspective, prevention is far more effective than trying to manage established chronic pain years later.”
Dr Hill says HPV-related cancers and their treatments are frequently associated with significant acute pain, including pain from surgery, radiotherapy, swallowing difficulties and nerve injury.
“These cancers and their treatments can involve substantial suffering at the time, as well as long-term consequences afterwards. The possibility of preventing some of this burden with two simple vaccinations is incredibly important.”
FPM NZNC also notes the significant inequities in both chronic pain and cancer outcomes in Aotearoa New Zealand, and supports equitable access to vaccination, screening, early diagnosis, and multidisciplinary care.
The Faculty of Pain Medicine is the professional body dedicated to the training and education of specialist pain medicine physicians and is part of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA).
