Guide to the treatment of cancer pain in South Africa
Citation: Blanchard C, Chetty S, Ganca L, Gwyther E, Hodgson E, Kamerman P, Meiring M, Vinay S, Webb D. Guide to the treatment of cancer pain in South Africa. MedSpec Publishing, Centurian, 2015. DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1612170.v2.
About: Palliative care, including effective management of cancer pain, is recognised under international law as a human right. Pain management can and should be delivered from the time of cancer diagnosis. This care is inexpensive, safe and effective and can be delivered in a variety of settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, residential hospices, nursing homes, community health centers and at home. However, cancer pain is frequently inadequately treated. and healthcare providers often feel insufficiently prepared to assess and manage cancer pain.
The purpose of this guideline is to assist members of all healthcare professions in South Africa to optimise patient care within the limitations of their resources, aiming to reduce suffering while maintaining quality of life and dignity.
Endorsed by: Gauteng Centre of Excellence for Palliative Care / Wits Centre for Palliative Care, PainSA, Hospice Palliative Care Association, Palliative Treatment for Children – South Africa, Family Medicine Division of the University of Cape Town, South African Society of Clinical and Radiation Oncology, and South African Society of Anaesthesiologists.
