PAIN AS AN EARLY SYMPTOM IN CANCER

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.