and purposeful activities, transcutaneous electrical
nerve stimulation and lifestyle adjustment (BPS 2010).
The rehabilitation of cancer patients is increasingly
important as the number of cancer survivors increases.
Psychological approaches to pain management
can address underlying concerns and anxieties, which
may prevent the patient having to engage in pain
management strategies and may also offer the patient
a sense of self-control and improve general wellbeing.
Cognitive and behavioural techniques may be used.
The former focus on the patients’ perceptions, thoughts
and expectations about the pain and how these
thoughts and sensations are interpreted (Mair 2009).
Behavioural techniques aim to provide the patient
with skills to cope with pain and modify their reactions
to it (Mair 2009).
Complementary approaches include a range of
therapies that may support or complement mainstream
treatment. SIGN (2008) reports that patients have
found the experience of complementary therapies
positive, although any pain relief achieved was of short
duration. Therapies include massage and aromatherapy,
acupuncture, reflexology, hypnotherapy and music
therapy. Patients may report an improvement in their
general sense of wellbeing, which will affect pain,
reduce anxiety levels and give them a sense of having
more control over their own health (BPS 2010).
Conclusion
Achieving pain control in cancer patients is a process
that begins with assessment and an understanding
of the possible type and cause of pain. A range of
pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches
are available, and a sound understanding of the process
that guides analgesic therapy is important.
Nurses play a pivotal role in all stages of the
process and in communicating with other members
of the multidisciplinary team involved in delivering
interventions for pain management.