Can Smoking and Physical Inactivity Make Cancer Pain Worse?

Cancer-related pain can affect daily life. It can make it harder to sleep, stay active, and complete everyday tasks. Research presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting found that smoking and physical inactivity were linked to poorer pain control in cancer survivors. 

Researchers studied pain in cancer survivors

The study included 1,380 adults with pain related to cancer or cancer treatment.

Most participants were 60 or older. About 63% were women. Overall, 76% said their pain was controlled. About 24% reported uncontrolled pain.

Researchers wanted to learn whether certain lifestyle habits were linked to pain control.

Smoking was linked to poorer pain control

People who smoked were more likely to report uncontrolled pain.

People who had never smoked were less likely to report uncontrolled pain than current smokers. Former smokers also had better pain control than current smokers.

The study did not prove that smoking caused worse pain. It showed a link between smoking and pain control.

Even so, the findings add to the many reasons to quit smoking. In addition to helping heart and lung health, quitting may also support pain management.

Physical activity was linked to better pain control

Researchers also studied physical activity. Participants were asked whether they had been physically active during the previous 30 days outside of work. 

People who were inactive were more likely to report uncontrolled pain. Inactive participants had a 72% higher risk of poor pain control than those who were physically active.

Physical activity can help maintain strength and movement. It may also help reduce stiffness and improve how people feel day to day.

Not everyone can exercise at the same level. A healthcare team can help determine what type of activity is safe based on your health, symptoms, and treatment history.

Alcohol use was not linked to pain control

Researchers also looked at alcohol use. Heavy drinking was defined as more than 14 drinks per week for men and more than 7 drinks per week for women. 

The study did not find a link between heavy alcohol use and pain control. People who drank heavily did not report better or worse pain control than other participants.

What these findings mean

Pain can have many causes. Cancer, treatment side effects, nerve damage, inflammation, and other health conditions can all contribute.

This study found that smoking and physical inactivity were linked to poorer pain control. Pain medicines remain an important part of treatment. But healthy habits may also play a role in managing symptoms.

Researchers suggested that smoking cessation programs and exercise programs may help improve cancer survivorship care. If pain is affecting your daily life, talk with your healthcare team about symptom management, physical activity, and other forms of support. 

See Patients’ Progress: Research Results News

Source: 

• Behavioral predictors of pain control among adult cancer survivors: Examining the impact of smoking, physical activity, and alcohol consumption