(118) Cancer and Opioids: Patient Experiences with Stigma (COPES) – A Pilot Study

Unrelieved cancer pain is common, with up to 57% of patients receiving curative-intent treatment reporting moderate-to-severe pain. Opioids are a cornerstone in cancer pain management, but the “opioid crisis” has sparked public fears about risks associated with these medications. Though cancer patients are excluded from most laws restricting prescription opioids, patients may still internalize stigma associated with opioid use. Thus, the aim of this pilot study was to 1) describe opio id use and 2) characterize opioid-related stigma and associated behaviors in cancer patients.

Source: The Journal of Pain - March 21, 2019 Category: Materials Science Authors: H. Bulls, A. Hoogland, D. Craig, B. Gonzalez, D. Portman, H. Jim Source Type: research