INTEGRATED LITERATURE REVIEW ON CANCER PAIN MANAGEMENT: DO RELAXATION AND SUPPORT TECHNIQUES, WHEN USED WITH MEDICATION, EFFECTIVELY ASSIST IN REDUCING AND/OR ELIMINATING CANCER PAIN?
Regaard (2000) reports that of the symptoms experienced by people with advanced cancer, pain is the most feared. This fear is not groundless as the incidence of uncontrolled pain is high in groups of cancer patients (Gunnarsdottir, Donovan, Serlin, Voge & Ward, 2002). Thus, cancer patients need real help to manage their pain. Diverse methods of cancer pain management have been developed for cancer patients of all ages (Ellis, O'Connor, Cappelli, Goodman, Blouin & Reid, 2002). According to the World Health Organization (1999), in a substantial percentage of cancer patients, a pain management strategy that is often used to control (eliminate or reduce pain) consists of pain reduction medication delivered conjointly with relaxation and support techniques.
WHO (1999) defines "cancer pain medication" as an administration of drugs with pain reducing properties. It is noted that for mild to moderate pain, the drugs are often aspirin, acetaminophen, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). When discomfort lasts or increases, the doctor may add an opioid to aspirin, acetaminophen, or NSAIDS. If pain persists, the opioid potency or dose may be increased. Also, there may be some additional doses of drugs that can be taken as needed for pain that occurs between scheduled doses of drug.
Similarly, WHO (1999) states that relaxation techniques are therapeutic methods that operate to help the patient cope with living with cancer in general and cancer pain in particular. These include such technique as meditation, imagery, breathing exercises, review of peaceful past experiences to provide a sense of peace, prayer, and listening to music. In addition, the patient can learn to refocus his/her attention away from the pain and on to other things. Educat...