Abstract

COSTA, Aline Isabella Saraiva  and  CHAVES, Marcelo Donizetti. Pain in cancer patients under chemotherapy. Rev. dor [online]. 2012, vol.13, n.1, pp. 45-49. ISSN 1806-0013.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1806-00132012000100008.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Advanced cancer usually causes pain, the intensity of which depends on site, level of evolution and type of treatment. This study aimed at evaluating pain in cancer patients who are or have been treated with chemotherapy in a hospital from the city of Imperatriz/MA. METHOD: Data were collected through questionnaires with identification, pre-existing diseases, clinical manifestations, numerical pain evaluation scale and McGill questionnaire. RESULTS: It has been observed that breast cancer (50%) and lung cancer (38.8%) were the most prevalent, respectively, among females and males. Pain was reported by 58.6% of patients during the interview or during the interview's week and most frequently reported sites were upper and lower limbs (18.5%) and chest (11.1%). Mean pain intensity evaluated by the numerical scale was 6.7 ± 1.83, which may be considered moderate pain and sensory pain by McGill questionnaire. CONCLUSION: Moderate and sensory pain was present in most cancer patients and has led to loss of energy to perform daily activities.

Keywords : Cancer; Nursing team; Pain; Pain measurement.