Advances in the treatment of cancer have
led to increased life expectancy for patients. As a
result, cancer is emerging as a chronic and complex
condition (Chapman 2011). Patients with cancer
may experience significant physical effects,
such as pain from the cancer itself or treatments.
Cancer pain is frequently undertreated despite
the wide range of treatment options available.
Barriers to effective treatment may include poor
assessment, insufficient knowledge of pain
mechanisms and treatment options, and specific
concerns regarding dependence, tolerance,
addiction and drug-related side effects (Fine et al
2004). Individualised assessment and selection
of the most appropriate therapeutic approach
can improve patients’ function and quality of life
by reducing their pain.
This article focuses on assessment and
management of cancer pain, as well as barriers
to effective treatment of pain. Non-medical
prescribing is also discussed.