Current concepts in the assessment and management of cancer-related pain.

Patients with cancer can experience a variety of cancer and non-cancer-related pain problems. Medical-surgical nurses are in an ideal position to perform a comprehensive assessment of the cancer patient to determine if pain is a significant problem for the patient and what effect, if any, the pain is having on the patient's quality of life. The pain management plan is predicted on an accurate assessment and ongoing evaluation of the pain complaint as well as related symptoms.