ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to rate the burden of pain of cancer patients receiving radiotherapy from the point of view of the patients themselves as well as the physicians and nurses caring for the patient, and to examine possible differences in the ratings. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 68 cancer patients received a pain questionnaire about pain intensity and subjective well-being. At the same time, physicians and nurses answered 7 pain-related questions about each patient. RESULTS: 34% of the patients reported strong or very strong pain in the past week, 8% even unbearable pain. 66% felt psychologically distressed, 70% developed anxiety because of pain. 74% believed that pain is an essential part of the disease. Nurses and physicians often underestimate patients' burden of pain. Nevertheless, the rating of the nurses is more accurate than that of the physicians. CONCLUSION: Physicians and nurses often underestimate pain intensity. It seems that several patients are unable or unwilling to express their pain or that therapists lack adequate methods of pain assessment. To optimize pain treatment, communication between patients, physicians and nurses needs to be improved.
