Pain and Suffering.

OBJECTIVE: To review literature on the relationship of pain, spirituality, and suffering as it relates to the patient with cancer who is experiencing pain. DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed articles, textbooks, internet. CONCLUSION: Pain and suffering are distinct and yet closely related in patients with cancer. Oncology nurses are important in assessing a patient's pain, including dimensions of spirituality and suffering. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses are the front line of pain management for patients. This includes recognizing existential distress and suffering and responding to suffering.