Practical aspects of pain control in the patient with cancer

Cancer-related pain can be well controlled in most patients. With prolonged survival and cure now possible with many tumors, pain management becomes a compelling issue for the quality of the patient's remaining life. In advanced stages of disease, analgesia is an imperative for both the patient and family; it provides the patient the opportunity for a dignified and comfortable death and lifts from the family the added burden of anger and despair that is so often associated with uncontrolled pain in a loved one. Astute assessment, a systematic approach to pharmacologic treatment, and ongoing monitoring of therapy are the fundamental elements of successful management of pain in most patients.