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Update on Prevalence of Pain in Patients with Cancer 2022: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

Rolf A. H. Snijders, L. Brom, M. Theunissen, M. H. J. van den Beuken-van Everdingen

Cancers, 2023

416 citations

Abstract

Simple Summary Pain associated with cancer diagnoses is a serious concern and one of the most common symptoms reported by cancer patients. The insufficient relief of cancer pain can have a major impact on patients’ quality of life. Recent developments in oncology such as new pain management guidelines, drugs and treatment strategies may have had a positive effect on the prevalence and severity of pain. Therefore, the aim of this systematic literature review was to assess the prevalence of pain and pain severity in cancer patients throughout all phases of treatment in the 2014–2021 literature period. Our results show a decline in both the prevalence and severity of cancer pain, compared to previous research. Nevertheless, with 44.5% of cancer patients still experiencing pain, the prevalence remains high, emphasizing the need for ongoing attention regarding the management of cancer pain. Abstract Experiencing pain and insufficient relief can be devastating and negatively affect a patient’s quality of life. Developments in oncology such as new treatments and adjusted pain management guidelines may have influenced the prevalence of cancer pain and severity in patients. This review aims to provide an overview of the prevalence and severity of pain in cancer patients in the 2014–2021 literature period. A systematic literature search was performed using the databases PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane. Titles and abstracts were screened, and full texts were evaluated and assessed…

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