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The management of pain during medical procedures in children with cancer focuses on providing as much comfort as possible for the child and parents during the procedure. Pain management is considered successful if the child is unafraid of undergoing subsequent procedures. The management of pain associated with pediatric procedures is discussed according to five age categories: birth to six months of age; six months to two years; two to five years; five to 12 years; and ages older than 12 years. The general principles of pain management are described. Procedures performed on children that are often associated with pain include bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, lumbar puncture, needle sticks into a vein or muscle, finger sticks, lances, and suturing (stitching). Various X-ray diagnostic techniques and treatment methods may not be associated with pain but may require patient cooperation in remaining still. Discomfort associated with various diagnostic procedures can be managed by drug therapy and/or behavioral techniques, and each patient should be assessed individually. The use of drug therapy is recommended for the first procedure to reduce the negative experience associated with illness and hospitalization. The medical staff should receive appropriate training and the environment should be modified to help relieve the discomfort associated with the procedure. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)