Managing Cancer Pain: Where We've Come from, Where We Are, and What is Left to Do

Abstract

An exploding number of resources—Internet sites, scientific papers, ponderous treatises from an expanding pool of experts, and self-help trade publications—address the management of chronic cancer-related and nonmalignant pain. Local, state, national, and international organizations promote optimal management of pain. The U.S. Veteran's Administration and the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations have recently issued standards targeting appropriate assessment and management of pain. Despite the apparent interest and attention, the needless suffering from pain remains and is especially devastating at the end of life, when nearly half of all Americans die in pain. This article explores the evolution and current status of efforts to relieve pain and emphasizes broad-based interdisciplinary approaches to the management of pain.