Common Misconceptions About Cancer Pain

Course overview

Many patients with cancer experience pain at some point. Interprofessional collaboration by the healthcare team helps alleviate suffering by increasing knowledge about cancer pain and the application of effective pain management interventions. Multimodal therapy can include medication as well as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) being applied synergistically to provide relief. Despite increased research, knowledge gaps persist related to standards for quality pain assessment and management of complex and combined pain states. Confusion still exists over the differences between addiction and tolerance. Undertreatment of cancer pain can leave many survivors with chronic pain issues.