Opioids and cancer pain

摘要

Pain is one of the most feared symptoms for people with cancer; it has a negative impact on overall functioning and quality of life. It is estimated that over half of patients receiving anti-cancer treatment experience pain, the prevalence increasing to two-thirds in patients with advanced disease (van den Beuken-van Everdingen et al, 2016). Despite much attention being given to the importance of managing this distressing symptom, evidence exists to suggest that pain resulting from cancer or cancer therapies is undertreated and poorly managed (Foley,2011). Opioids (drugs such as codeine, morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl and buprenorphine) play an important role in the effective management of cancer pain. Fears exist surrounding the use of these medications from both health professionals and patients alike. These concerns are usually related to the association of opioids with abuse and addiction, or the possibility that they may shorten life. The recent enquiry into the deaths of patients at Gosport Memorial Hospital (Gosport Independent Panel, 2018), where patients were given opioid medications that were not clinically indicated or justified, has likely heightened these concerns.