Results of a poll of cancer patients with respect to pain and quality of life

AIM: Bernatzky et al. recently published a study on the prescribing practices of general practitioners in Austria with respect to the prescribing of opioids in cancer patients.The aim of the study was to assess the adequately of pain therapy and the resulting quality of life in chronic cancer patients. METHODS: A representative sample of patients was taken from the Carinthian tumor register.These patient were sent a questionnaire alone with an explanatory letter and at a later date a reminder letter by mail. RESULTS: Of the 1.895 returned questionnaires 665 (35%) were completed. In this study only the data of the 429 patients who indicated that they experienced pain were processed.More than one fifth of the patients complained of a poor or a very poor quality of life and 80% of the patients were limited in their activities of daily living by pain.There are still many prejudices and informational gaps with respect to the effects of morphine.The main focus of treatment was medication therapy and was generally carried out by the family physician.The satisfaction with pain therapy was at best moderate.This is insofar of importance, as the satisfaction with pain therapy has a massive impact on the quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: More extensive information and education are required with respect to the various options and possibilities of pain control.Explanations of the mode of action and side-effects of pain medication in order to deal with the prejudices.Earlier and more focused use of pain therapy (long duration of pain), and use of coping aids for activities of daily living (limited through pain) and a broadening of the spectrum of treatment are all necessary.Patient satisfaction with pain therapy should be the main focus, as this is the deciding factor in terms of the quality of life.