The medical profession's long standing view of pain as a side issue – and not a primary focus of assessment and treatment – has begun to change in recent years. But in an environment where neglect of pain has been commonplace, misconceptions about pain and its treatment have easily taken root, particularly concerning the use of opioids. These misconceptions have informed the judgment and decisions of the public and health professionals alike, as well as those of the policy makers who make regulations concerning prescription medications.
These factors have in turn created barriers to effective pain treatment, even at a time when the need for better pain relief is recognized more widely than ever.
Cultural differences and misunderstandings too can contribute to poor communication and interfere with the effect treatment of pain – as they do in cancer treatment and health care generally. The Intercultural Cancer Council offers Cultural Competence in Cancer Care: A Health Professional's Passport to address these issues.