CANCER AND PAIN: PRINCIPLES OF GOOD PAIN MANAGEMENT
Proper and effective pain management in cancer pain requires careful assessment and repeated re-assessment of the pain. Medication should be prescribed around the clock rather than 'as necessary', and should involve effective pain-killers. Other drugs known to aid in pain relief such as the antidepressants and some tranquillisers should be prescribed to modify the pain.
Those involved in the treatment of cancer pain must be prepared to listen to the sufferer and give the time necessary. There must be an understanding of what the pain is doing. There should ideally be empathy from caregivers family and friends.
If present, special attention should be given to the social, cultural and language problems.
It is most important to make a proper diagnosis of the cause of the pain to properly treat pain. Other distressing symptoms related both to the disease and its treatment must also be treated adequately. These will include nausea, vomiting, itch and weight loss. *157\37\8*
HOW TO DEAL WITH REACTIONS TO SEX AND CONTRACEPTION: START WITH CHEMICALS
