Table 1.

Key components of cancer pain assessment [2]

Take brief history of pain – Severity (intensity) – Daily fluctuation (night/day rhythm) – Triggers (provocative factors) – Breakthrough cancer pain (attacks, ‘peaks’ or episodes) – Location – Quality – Pain syndrome (neuropathic, nociceptive, visceral or somatic) – Resources (relieving factors) – Cause and pathophysiology (cancer, non-cancer, treatment)? – Psychosocial and spiritual factors that influence patients’ pain perception (‘total pain’)

Identify effects of pain on quality-of-life – Physical function – Wellbeing – Mood, – Coping – Role functioning and relationships – Sleep – Sexuality Gather information: – Extent of disease – Realistic treatment goals

Identify medical and psychiatric comorbidities, e.g.: – Renal failure – Substance abuse – Depression and anxiety Identify further palliative care needs – Other symptoms (e.g. dyspnoea or nausea) – Psychosocial or spiritual concerns – Caregiver burden – Specific fears – Communication, care coordination, and goal setting problems – Existential suffering (e.g., ‘life does not make sense’, ‘feeling of hopelessness’)