The management of cancer pain

Abstract

In recent years, the paradigm of palliative care in cancer medicine has shifted from care of terminally ill patients to earlier intervention. During the past 10 years, various new drugs and interventions have been introduced mainly for pain control, which is one of the major problems in the area of palliative medicine in cancer. According to the aim of the Cancer Control Act established in 2006, patients will be able to access easily integrated high-quality cancer care by oral opioids and drug therapy. Early and accurate detection of patients' problems is a key issue for providing supporting with efficient and timely management. Since the release of the World Health Organization guidelines, cancer pain treatment using a 3-step analgesic ladder has been disseminated in Japan. All medical staff should be aware of the importance and essence of palliative care in cancer medicine. Further systematic and continuous education for medical staff is necessary.