Cancer Pain

Abstract

Abstract Pain is a common symptom of cancer, even in survivors. Despite this, there is a large disparity in pain control among vulnerable patient populations. Pediatric and geriatric patients are more likely to have difficulty expressing their pain and are dependent on caregivers. Different races may be more reluctant to report pain or treat pain, especially in the setting of medical disease such as cancer. Lower income and limited access to health care also prevent patients from receiving the pain treatments they need. When cancer pain is not adequately treated, it leads to not only poorer quality of life for the patient and their caregivers but also economic burden on the health care system from emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Solutions to this disparity include education and support to patients, family members, and health care providers. Telehealth has also been able to bridge the care gap for those who have limited access to health care resources. Finally, the World Health Organization has published guidelines to support primary care physicians in the management of patients’ cancer pain.