Living with cancer related pain : A literature study from patient’s perspective

Background: There is an increase in cancer diseases all over the world, which leads to more patients experiencing cancer-related pain. Cancer related pain is a complex experience that includes physical, emotional and existential components. There are several factors that influence patient’s experiences of cancer pain, such as culture, religion and ethnicity. Managing cancer related pain is a major challenge for both healthcare professionals and patients. Despite established recommendations and guidelines, cancer pain remains an underdiagnosed and undertreated problem due to unavailable opioid drugs, ignorance among healthcare professionals and patient-related barriers. Aim: The aim was to describe patient’s experiences of cancer related pain and cancer pain management. Method: A general literature review based on 12 qualitative scientific articles. Data were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis method. Results: Four themes were identified: The pain experience is complex, The impact of pain on daily life, Varied views on pain, Challenges for good pain management. Conclusions: Worldwide cancer related pain is often untreated or undertreated, which is due to a variety of factors such as low priority given to cancer pain treatment in political systems, care and organizational barriers and patient-related barriers. In order to relieve pain and reduce suffering, it is important that the nurse adapts care and provides support in an individually designed way based on the patient's condition. Good access to opioid medicines worldwide, clear guidelines on how cancer related pain is managed and education on pain management methods for patients and their relatives, are considered key factors in improving care for cancer patients with pain.