Pain and quality of life: clinical issues and implications for research

Cancer pain is a subjective, multidimensional experience that strongly influences quality of life of cancer patients. Although quality of life research has recognized the potential impact of pain, there is very little information about the relationship. Key components of cancer pain that may influence quality of life include severity, chronicity, the perceived availability of relief, the meaning of the pain in relation to the underlying disease, and the psychosocial disturbances attributable to the pain. Multidimensional assessment of both pain and quality of life is needed to characterize this relationship.