Management of cancer pain. A practical approach

One in five deaths in Australia is due to cancer. Pain is an important symptom in many of these patients, but it is often either unrelieved or poorly controlled. Misconceptions about the nature of cancer pain and its control are detailed, and the practical management of these patients is discussed in the light of personal experience. Proper use of older therapeutic methods is still important, as recent advances allow better results only in a minority of cases. Special attention is given to the use of regular oral doses of morphine. Many of the interacting factors affecting pain perception are considered, so that the sense of impotence in those faced with the management of a progressive incurable disease may be reduced through an understanding of the causes of pain and its correct management.