Cancer Pain Relief And Palliative Care

The second edition of a guide, which introduced a simple, yet highly effective method for the relief of cancer pain. Thoroughly revised and updated, the new edition further refines the WHO method, which advocates the use of a small number of relatively inexpensive drugs, including morphine. Revisions draw on experiences with millions of patients around the world as well as new knowledge about the specific pain syndromes unique to cancer. Completely new are chapters describing the international system by which morphine and other opioids are made available for medical purposes. The book has two parts. Part one provides a practical guide to the relief of cancer pain, concentrating on drug treatment as the mainstay of pain management. The most extensive section sets out detailed guidelines for the selection and prescribing of non-opioid analgesics, opioid analgesics, drugs for neuropathic pain, and adjuvant drugs for the treatment of adverse effects, the enhancement of pain relief and the management of concomitant psychological disturbances. Information ranges from explanations of how specific drugs work, through the precautions to take in the presence of certain disorders, to a list of factors that influence the effectiveness of opioids. Concerning the use of opioids, readers are reminded that psychological dependence does not occur in cancer patients and that the only correct dose of morphine is the one that relieves the pain. Part two provides a guide to opioid availability. A discussion of the reasons why opioids continue to be underprescribed or difficult to obtain is followed by an explanation of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

Considers what can - and should - be done to comfort patients suffering from the distressing symptoms of advanced cancer. Prepared by nine renowned experts in oncology, neurology, pain management and nursing care, the book draws together the evidence and arguments needed to define clear lines of action, whether on the part of the medical and nursing professions or in the form of national legislation. Throughout, arguments for palliative care take their force from the magnitude of unrelieved suffering currently borne by the majority of terminally ill patients. Although methods for the relief of pain are emphasized, other physical, psychological, and spiritual needs for comfort are also included in the report's comprehensive recommendations. The concept of palliative care is explained in terms of its concern with quality of life and comfort before death, emphasis on the family as the unit of care, dependence on teamwork, and relationship to curative interventions. Subsequent sections concentrate on measures for the relief of pain and other physical symptoms, the psychosocial needs of the patient and family, and the need for spiritual comfort. A section devoted to ethics provides several important statements concerning the legal and ethical distinction between killing the pain and killing the patient, and the need to recognize the limits of medicine. ..". crammed with very valuable information ... an altogether excellent book..." - Family Practice ..". a comprehensive report on cancer pain relief and active supportive care ... a valuable reference for those specializing in cancer care and for the generalist caring for dying patients..." - Nursing and Health care WHO definition of palliative care

Holland-Frei Cancer Medicine, Ninth Edition, offers a balanced view of the most current knowledge of cancer science and clinical oncology practice. This all-new edition is the consummate reference source for medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, internists, surgical oncologists, and others who treat cancer patients. A translational perspective throughout, integrating cancer biology with cancer management providing an in depth understanding of the disease An emphasis on multidisciplinary, research-driven patient care to improve outcomes and optimal use of all appropriate therapies Cutting-edge coverage of personalized cancer care, including molecular diagnostics and therapeutics Concise, readable, clinically relevant text with algorithms, guidelines and insight into the use of both conventional and novel drugs Includes free access to the Wiley Digital Edition providing search across the book, the full reference list with web links, illustrations and photographs, and post-publication updates

This book presents a timely and multidisciplinary update on the modalities currently available for treating the most feared symptom of patients diagnosed with cancer. The various cancer pain syndromes are explored in detail, covering those related directly to malignancy and those due to the after-effects of cancer therapy. Treatment modalities, including pharmacologic approaches, interventional procedures, and palliative surgical options, are discussed clearly and concisely, with provision of recommendations for the practitioner. Further topics include new and emerging treatments for cancer pain, survivorship considerations, pain management in special populations, and implementation of systems-based pain programs. The book has been written by a multidisciplinary group of experts, reflecting the evolution in pain and symptom management that has occurred in parallel with progress toward more targeted oncologic treatments. Oncologists, palliative care physicians, allied health professionals, and other practitioners involved in caring for cancer patients will find Fundamentals of Cancer Pain Management to be a rich source of evidence-based insights into effective pain management.

Now divided into four parts, the second edition of Cancer Pain delivers broad coverage of the issues that arise in the management of malignancy-related pain, from basic science, through end of life care and associated ethical issues, to therapies, both medical and complementary.Part One reviews basis considerations in cancer pain management, includ

Cancer Pain Management, Second Edition will substantially advance pain education. The unique combination of authors -- an educator, a leading practitioner and administrator, and a research scientist -- provides comprehensive, authoritative coverage in addressing this important aspect of cancer care. The contributors, acknowledged experts in their areas, address a wide scope of issues. Educating health care providers to better assess and manage pain and improve patientsrsquo; and familiesrsquo; coping strategies are primary goals of this book. Developing research-based clinical guidelines and increasing funding for research is also covered. Ethical issues surrounding pain management and health policy implications are also explored.