Pharmacologic management of cancer pain

Cancer remains the second most common cause of death in the United States despite advances in prevention, early detection, and newer treatment protocols. Pain continues to be the most feared complication of this diagnosis. Numerous studies have shown that when the World Health Organization treatment guidelines are followed, 90% of patients are pain-free. Although evidence is convincing that opioids are effective in the treatment of patients with cancer pain, reluctance to use them continues. Barriers to opioid use are multifactorial, but with education of healthcare providers and patients, treatment to manage pain will be more effective.