Introduction

摘要

Pain commonly occurs in patients with cancer and, despite decades of research, it remains a significant problem. Pain can occur at any time during the cancer trajectory, from diagnosis and through survivorship and the end of life. Discussions surrounding pain often evoke thoughts about its physical impact, assessment strategies, and pharmacologic management. And yet, pain is multidimensional and requires a multifaceted approach. Dame Cicely Saunders, a nurse, social worker, physician, and palliative care pioneer, coined the term, total pain, defined as pain that encompasses not only its physical manifestations, but also accompanying psychological, social, and spiritual suffering. Health care professionals at all levels should be reminded daily of the components of total pain and include these aspects in both its assessment and management. This issue of Seminars in Oncology Nursing provides an in-depth coverage of the concept of total cancer pain. The articles reflect decades of historical and recent science on cancer pain and current trends impacting its management. Nurses, who comprise the largest workforce and play a pivotal role in cancer pain care, are called to action, to understand recent advances in cancer pain management and be aware of public opinions and policies impacting pain practice.