open access: Access to opioid analgesics and pain relief for patients with cancer : Article : Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology

Access to opioid analgesics and pain relief for patients with cancer : Article : Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology

Access to pain relief is a crucial concern for patients with cancer, and remains so at all stages of the illness trajectory. This Review covers the scope of the problem and considers the optimal palliative strategy, mainly through the use of opioids. It also discusses various barriers to effective pain management around the world, including regulatory and attitudinal barriers towards opioids, and the unwillingness of national governments to integrate palliative care effectively in cancer control efforts.

Key points

• Pain is the most-common and feared symptom in patients with cancer, and is frequently present at all stages of illness
• Opioids are the mainstay of cancer pain management, and can relieve pain effectively in the majority of patients
• Pain in patients with cancer is best considered as a domain within the broader context of palliative care
• Lack of opioids, trained health-care professionals, and palliative-care programmes are the most common barriers to effective pain management in cancer patients......