An international research has identified ways that can change the experience of painful procedures. The results open up new opportunities to care for smaller patients
Despite great progress in treating cancer in children, pain and fear continue to be among the most difficult challenges of oncological care. Repeated needle procedures, lumbal workshops, and other interventions can cause considerable physical and emotional distress.
However, a study by Australian scientists suggests that Therapeutic hypnosis, virtual reality, and concentration techniques can help children cope more easily with pain and anxiety during treatment.
Research has been directed by Dr. Karin Plummer, at Griffith University in Australia, while results have been published in the scientific magazine PAIN.
Over 2,000 children involved in studies
Researchers analyzed 42 controlled and random clinical studies conducted in 16 countries from 1982 to 2025.
In total, studies are involved 2,167 children being treated for cancer, while data from 27 studies was used in statistical analysis.
The goal was to assess the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in reducing pain and anxiety during medical procedures.
What methods proved more effective?
The results showed that some psychosocial intervention can significantly reduce the intensity of the pain.
Among the best results were:
- Therapeutic hyposisWho uses concentration and suggestion directed to help the child manage the pain.
- DistractionThrough games, music, stories, or other activities.
- The Techniques That Connect Mind to Bodyincluding controlled breathing and relaxing.
Virtual reality, hypnosis and technology-backed distractions also showed promising results in reducing anxiety.
Through the glasses of virtual reality, the child may be involved in an imaginary game or environment during the procedure, partially turning his attention away from intervention.
Why can fear increase pain?
Pain is not just a physical reaction. Its survival is also influenced by emotion, memory, expectations, and attention.
Fear of future intervention can become an important source of anxiety among children who submit to repeated procedures.
By Griffith University, psychosocial interventions can help children change the way they experience pain.
However, These methods do not replace pain medication, anesthetic or oncological treatmentBut they can be used as supplementary support.
Support for Parents as well
Treatment of cancer affects the entire family. Parents often experience anxiety and infirmity when they see their child undergo painful procedures.
Psychological preparation, communication tailored to age, and the soothing presence of family members can make the experience less traumatic.
Can they become part of daily care?
Study associate Maria McCarty, by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, stresses that the results provide grounds for the development of new clinical practices.
Most of the evidence, however, is related to short procedures. More studies are needed to assess the impact on chronic pain and long – term treatment.
Researchers recommend that psychosocial support be more widely involved in pediatric oncological care.
The main message is that relief in cancer – related children should not rely solely on drugs. Care that includes emotional needs can make treatment more affordable for children and their families. /Telegraphy/