Chronic Nociceptive Pain Syndromes: Cancer Pain

There is abundant evidence that cancer pain is undertreated despite the availability of therapies that could benefit most patients.1 Undertreatment has many causes, among the most important of which is inadequate assessment.2,3 Assessment is a dynamic process that includes evaluation of presenting problems, elucidation of pain syndromes and pathophysiology, and formulation of a comprehensive plan for continuing care.4–8 In this process, the management of pain must be incorporated within a broader therapeutic agenda that addresses the need for antineoplastic treatment, symptom palliation, and functional rehabilitation. 8,9