[An analysis of pain associated with cancer of various origins]

The authors retrospectively investigated the incidence and duration of pain associated with cancer of various origin by means of a multivariate analysis in 444 patients who have died of cancer. The author also examined the correlation of severity of pain with the number of days from last admission to the hospital to the day of death. Results have indicated that the incidence of severe pain of long duration is high in relatively younger patients, those who are 55-years-old or under, and also in patients with rectal, uterine or ovarian cancer. Patients with a severer pain tended to be admitted to the hospital in a much earlier stage of the disease. In patients with risk of severe pain, an advanced plan to control cancer pain is helpful, as are analgesic approaches which can help the patient to remain at home as long as possible is desirable.