Procedural pain management in patients with cancer.

Abstract

Pain has been identified as one of the most significant factors in patients' experience of cancer and its treatment. Pain experienced during cancer treatment procedures such as radiotherapy can be unpleasant and distressing for the patient, as well as for their family and carers. Nurses have an important role in assessing and managing any pain associated with such procedures. This article explores the procedural pain that may be experienced by patients in general, and by those with cancer specifically, and details the pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies that nurses can use to manage this challenging complication.