Iatrogenic cancer pain and its prevention

• Main Author: Ana Catarina Sanches Infante
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira para o Estudo da Dor
• Series: Revista Dor
• Subjects: dor; iatrogenia; qualidade de vida; oncologia
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1806-00132011000100012&lng=en&tlng=en

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cancer pain is a very important subject in Portugal since cancer leads to morbidity and mortality and its incidence is increasing in the last decades as a consequence of the progressive life expectation increase. Due to the unawareness of iatrogenic pain prevalence in hospitals, associated to its depreciation, this study aimed at contributing to a new awareness and action of health professionals and at emphasizing their qualification, about ways to prevent iatrogenic pain, being a fundamental tool to improve communication with patients and to minimize hospital routine. CONTENTS: There has been progress in cancer patients' pain evaluation and relief and several studies address the iatrogenic effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, not all pains are attributable to the disease. Some are related to care and invasive procedures performed by health professionals. CONCLUSION: It is essential to think about the importance of care as fundamental part of patients and not only treat and cure the disease, because health mechanization may minimize communication and worsen suffering.