In the September issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology-Biology-Physics, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Department of Radiation Oncology in Philadelphia and the Radiation Oncology Branch of the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Md. published an article stating that most cancer patients currently receive insufficient pain management therapy.

The conclusion was determined with information from an internet-based questionnaire given to patients of radiation treatment.  One-hundred and six patients completed the survey which evaluated their medication use, pain control and attitudes toward pain medication, including prescription and over-the-counter pain medications.

For some patients, cancer pain is caused by the disease itself or chronic inflammatory changes or infections.  In other cases, cancer treatment can be the source of pain.  When managed improperly, pain can cause unnecessary anxiety, thus perpetuating illness.

The study found that 58 percent reported pain from their cancer treatment and 46 percent of patients reported pain directly from their cancer, yet 80 percent of those patients said that they did not use medication to manage their pain.  According to Science Daily, "Most patients said the main reason they did not take pain medication was because their healthcare provider did not recommend it. This reason was followed by a fear of addiction or dependence and the inability to pay. Some patients also reported using alternative therapies for pain relief, including physical therapy, massage and acupuncture."

The researchers said the key to proper pain management is effective communication.  "To eliminate barriers to optimal pain management for cancer patients, healthcare providers should talk with their patients about pain symptoms and pain medications," said Charles Simone, M.D., a resident at the National Cancer Institute Radiation Oncology Branch in Bethesda, Md. and lead author of the study.