International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Sep 2008
Internet-based survey evaluating use of pain medications and attitudes of radiation oncology patients toward pain intervention.
Pain is a common symptom among cancer patients, yet many patients do not receive adequate pain management. Few data exist quantifying analgesic use by radiation oncology patients. This study evaluated the causes of pain in cancer patients and investigated the reasons patients fail to receive optimal analgesic therapy. ⋯ Many radiation oncology patients experience pain from their disease and cancer treatment. Most study participants did not use analgesics because of concerns of addiction, cost, or failure of the radiation oncologist to recommend medication. Healthcare providers should have open discussions with their patients regarding pain symptoms and treatment.