Cancer pain control: one state's experience

The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 3.5 million people suffer daily from cancer pain. Approximately 30% to 40% of people with intermediate stages of cancer and 55% to 90% of patients with advanced or terminal disease have pain. A multidisciplinary effort is under way in Wisconsin to improve cancer pain management. In recognition of the state's initiative, the World Health Organization has designated Wisconsin a demonstration state for cancer pain management. Support for staffing is provided by the United States Public Health Service Interagency Committee on Pain and Analgesia. In December 1986, 65 people representing 50 health organizations met to develop a comprehensive plan of action to improve pain management in people with cancer. In this article the various statewide activities focused at improving cancer pain management are discussed.