Objective: This study investigated the prevalence and causes of pain a
t the early stages of cancer. Design and patients: A total of 378 newl
y diagnosed (0-6 months from diagnosis) unselected cancer patients wer
e asked to respond to a questionnaire on pain and other symptoms; Resu
lts: 240 patients (64%) answered. Of these, 66 patients (28%) reported
pain and were examined in the pain clinic. Thirty patients had pain c
aused by direct tumor growth, and 44 had pain secondary to cancer or i
ts treatment. In 12 of 66 patients, the pain was unrelated to cancer.
Fifteen patients had two or more different types of pain simultaneousl
y. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that awareness of pa
in and its management at early stages of cancer are essential.