RESUMEN
The prevalence of pain in patients with sarcoma is not well documented. We investigated this in outpatients at a tertiary cancer referral centre, assessing the adequacy of pain control and for risk factors leading to higher prevalence and severity of pain. 149 patients were surveyed. Patients with pain within the previous 7 days completed pain assessment tools (BPI, S-LANSS, PMI). 53% of patients had pain within the previous 7 days, and 25% had significant pain. Of those with pain, 63% was inadequately controlled and neuropathic pain was identified in 36%. Age, gender, tumour type, and the type of cancer treatment were not significant predictors of the prevalence or severity of the pain. Based on our results, patients with sarcoma should be actively screened for pain and have regular reviews of their analgesic requirements.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of pain, and the adequacy of its treatment, amongst patients with head and neck cancer, and to determine whether specific groups could be identified as being at risk of pain. METHODS: Consecutive patients attending head and neck oncology out-patient services were surveyed. RESULTS: The prevalence of pain was 34 per cent, lower than that found in systematic reviews. No specific risk factors for pain were identified. Particular pain problems in this population comprised a high incidence of neuropathic pain, breakthrough pain and pain of non-malignant origin. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of unrelieved pain was high in this study population, although no specific risk factors were found. A further study is planned to determine the effect of using a routine screening tool and an immediate pain treatment protocol in this group of patients.