Conclusion
Many patients with cancer will require timely and
effective pain relief. Part 1 of this article identified
the causes and types of cancer pain, which is
necessary to ensure appropriate assessment
and management strategies are adopted.
Comprehensive pain assessment is pivotal to direct
treatment strategies. It also enables patients to
quantify a baseline measure of pain, so that the
effects of any interventions can be monitored.
It is important to assess and reassess patients’
pain as this may change over time. Effective
management of cancer pain often combines
pharmacological and non-pharmacological
approaches. Barriers to pain management need
to be addressed to promote effective pain relief.
Nurses have a pivotal role in the management
of cancer pain and should develop therapeutic
relationships with patients to optimise care