The biopsychosocial model in cancer pain

Diane M. Novy, Carrie J. Aigner

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

55 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to provide the reader with an up-to-date overview on the biopsychosocial model in cancer pain. Recent findings This review contains articles published from 2012 to 2014, which advance our understanding of biopsychosocial factors related to the cancer pain experience and psychosocial treatment for cancer pain. Greater depression, anxiety, and distress, and lower quality of life are related to greater pain intensity in cancer patients. Recent publications have expanded on this research by examining how psychosocial factors relate to the development of chronic pain conditions after cancer treatment. Recent publications have also advanced our understanding of psychosocial interventions for cancer pain and symptom management. In the last few years, several reviews have emerged, which have found modest effect sizes for psychosocial interventions in cancer pain management. Summary The biopsychosocial model is a helpful way to comprehensively approach the conceptualization and treatment of pain in cancer patients at all stages of the disease process. We currently have an established base of research on the importance of biopsychosocial model in cancer pain. Our ability to treat patients with cancer pain effectively will improve as we gain a better understanding of which treatments work for which patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)117-123
Number of pages7
JournalCurrent opinion in supportive and palliative care
Volume8
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2014

Keywords

  • Biopsychosocial
  • Cancer
  • Pain

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Oncology(nursing)
  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

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