The principles of cancer pain management

Pain affects 70% of patients with advanced cancer. Successful management depends on full assessment of patient and pain characteristics and drug responsiveness. Most patients' pain can be controlled by applying the three-step WHO analgesic ladder. Non-pharmacological treatments together with appropriate interventions should be integrated with drug treatment as necessary. Opiod dose should be titrated using short-acting normal release opiod. Opiod toxicity should be monitored actively and treated promptly.