[Use of opioid analgesics to alleviate pain in cancer]

Many cancer patients die after a prolonged period of deterioration marked by intense physical and emotional suffering. However, in an effort to control the illegal market, many countries have adopted regulations that restrict or prohibit the therapeutic use of opioid analgesics, which could improve the quality of life of these patients. The World Health Organization has responded to this problem by making palliative care a priority of its Cancer Program. The countries have been urged to establish measures and governmental policies that will make opioid analgesics more accessible for alleviating cancer pain.