The role of opioids in cancer pain.

Abstract

Columba Quigley, as a specialist in palliative medicine, works in a hospital based support team. She also works with a community based palliative care team and in a hospice, where patients are admitted for terminal care, respite, and control of symptoms. Pain occurs often in patients with cancer, particularly those with advanced disease. In addition, pain is one of the most feared symptoms in people with a diagnosis of cancer. Using analgesics (particularly opioids) appropriately effectively controls cancer pain in most patients