BACKGROUND: Pain is a prevalent symptom in cancer patients, affecting up to 50% of patients undergoing active cancer treatment and up to 90% of those with advanced disease. Although adequate relief can be achieved in the majority of cancer patients, pain is often treated inadequately in traditional settings. METHODS: The authors use their experience and that of others to review the evaluation and diagnosis of pain syndromes and the principles of management. RESULTS: The World Health Organization and other governmental agencies have recognized the importance of pain management as part of routine cancer care. Conducting a comprehensive assessment, competently providing analgesic drugs, and communicating with the patient and family allow effective management of pain in the cancer patient. CONCLUSIONS: Several approaches can promote adequate management of cancer pain, such as enhancing clinician knowledge of pain syndromes, improving pain assessment, and updating medical information related to pain and symptom control.
BACKGROUND:Pain is a prevalent symptom in cancerpatients, affecting up to 50% of patients undergoing active cancer treatment and up to 90% of those with advanced disease. Although adequate relief can be achieved in the majority of cancerpatients, pain is often treated inadequately in traditional settings. METHODS: The authors use their experience and that of others to review the evaluation and diagnosis of pain syndromes and the principles of management. RESULTS: The World Health Organization and other governmental agencies have recognized the importance of pain management as part of routine cancer care. Conducting a comprehensive assessment, competently providing analgesic drugs, and communicating with the patient and family allow effective management of pain in the cancerpatient. CONCLUSIONS: Several approaches can promote adequate management of cancer pain, such as enhancing clinician knowledge of pain syndromes, improving pain assessment, and updating medical information related to pain and symptom control.
Authors: Julia Riley; Joy R Ross; Dag Rutter; Athol U Wells; Katherine Goller; Ron du Bois; Ken Welsh Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2005-06-11 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Dena J Fischer; Dana Villines; Young Ok Kim; Joel B Epstein; Diana J Wilkie Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2009-08-17 Impact factor: 3.603