The prevalence of cancer is increasing and survival rates are improving dramatically. New treatments and refinement of older therapies have greater antitumor effects. This evolution in the battle against cancer is leading to changes in the way patients experience cancer pain. Whereas the tumor was the etiology of pain in the past, new treatment-related chronic pain syndromes are being seen with greater frequency. These painful syndromes can seriously impair quality of life, and may reduce adherence to potentially curative therapies, leading to reduced survival.
This presentation will review all cancer pain syndromes, including those related to the tumor or the treatment, along with pharmacologic treatment options. Current controversies in cancer pain control across the cancer trajectory will also be discussed.
Speaker: Judy Paice, PhD, RN, Director of the Cancer Pain Program, Northwestern University
Judith Paice, PhD, RN is the Director of the Cancer Pain Program in the Division of Hematology-Oncology and a Research Professor of Medicine, Northwestern University; Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Paice has served as President of the American Pain Society and is currently Secretary of the International Association for the Study of Pain. Much of Dr Paice’s clinical work has been in the relief of pain associated with cancer. She has traveled globally to educate health care professionals regarding cancer pain relief and palliative care.
Dr. Paice is the author of more than 150 scientific manuscripts and she serves on the editorial board of numerous professional journals, including the Journal of Pain, Clinical Journal of Pain and the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management.