Access to psychological treatment for chronic cancer-related Pain in Sweden

• ObjectivesCancer related pain (CRP) is among the most frequent collateral effects of cancer, with chronic CRP, lasting at least three months, affecting >40% of cancer survivors.Evidence based treatments, including pain-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) are available, but it appears that cancer patients/survivors are often poorlyinformed about CRP or the potential benefits of CBT for such pain. The present studyexamines current experience of Swedish cancer patients/survivors in relation to CRP.MethodsParticipants (N= 276; 83% female; mean age = 55.5 years, SD=11.9) were recruited to an online survey via cancer websites in Sweden, and provided information about their history of chronic CRP, and whether they received information about or treatment for CRP from a healthcare professional.ResultsParticipants had a history of breast (36%), gynecological (12%), lung (10%), colon(8%) and other forms of cancer (36%). A majority (74%) reported a history of chronicCRP and being prescribed analgesic medications (70%). Less than half (47%)received information from their healthcare provider about the risk of CRP and only 13% with chronic CRP received psychological treatment, and of these only 33% received CBT. Among those receiving psychological treatment for chronic CRP, satisfaction rates were moderate, reported as an average of 6 on a 0-10 scale (SD 2.6).ConclusionsGreater efforts are needed to raise awareness among cancer patients/survivors, andhealthcare providers about the risk of CRP and evidence-based interventions,including CBT, the first-line intervention for chronic pain. These efforts will need to be matched with increases in treatment capacity, particularly pain-focused CBT.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Cancer

Chronic Pain

cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Pharmacotherapy

physiotherapy

treatment access

Publication and Content Type

art (subject category)

ref (subject category)