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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
07:14
A Quantitative Sensory Testing Paradigm to Obtain Measures of Pain Processing in Patients Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery
Published on: January 18, 2018
Psychological variables and cancer pain
L Zimmerman1, K T Story, F Gaston-Johansson
1Adult Health and Illness, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA.
Cancer Nursing
|February 1, 1996
Summary
Cancer patients experiencing pain reported higher levels of psychological distress, including depression and anxiety. Addressing pain intensity is crucial for improving the mental well-being of cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psychology
- Nursing
Background:
- Cancer pain significantly impacts patients' quality of life.
- Psychological distress, including depression and anxiety, often co-occurs with cancer pain.
- Understanding the relationship between pain and psychological status is vital for effective patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between pain and psychological distress in cancer patients.
- To compare psychological distress scores (depression, anxiety, somatization, hostility) between cancer patients with and without pain.
- To explore the correlation between pain intensity and psychological variables.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive study involving 60 cancer patients (30 with pain, 30 without pain).
- Psychological variables assessed using the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI).
- Pain intensity measured with the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and Visual Analogue Scale.
Main Results:
- Significant positive correlations found between pain scores (MPQ) and all four BSI subscales (depression, anxiety, somatization, hostility).
- Cancer patients with pain exhibited higher scores on all four psychological subscales compared to those without pain.
- Statistically significant differences observed in somatization and hostility between the pain and no-pain groups.
Conclusions:
- A clear relationship exists between pain intensity and psychological status in cancer patients.
- Nursing interventions targeting pain reduction may also alleviate psychological distress.
- Comprehensive care addressing both physical pain and psychological well-being is essential for cancer patients.
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