Letter: Bill supports biomarker testing
This letter originally ran in the Lincoln Journal Star.
News
September is Pain Awareness Month
September 2, 2009
Imagine having to deal with searing pain but not having a way to get medications or treatment to deal with it.
This is unfortunately the scenario that many cancer patients must silently fight.
Having to deal with the worry and fear of fighting cancer is enough. Having to worry about how you are going to deal with the pain of chemotherapy and radiation should not have to be a top concern for cancer patients as they struggle to survive.
Each day, millions of Americans seek help for chronic or acute pain, making it the most common reason Americans access the healthcare system.ξ Left untreated, pain can devastate a personÈs quality of life by impacting his or her ability to sleep, work, or interact with others.ξ Because both cancer and its treatments can cause pain in patients and survivors, ACS CAN has made pain management issues a priority.
Right now, the current health care reform bill will provide important incentives and trainings for doctors to treat patients for pain. This will help with the quality of life for cancer patients and help them survive.
ACS CAN is also working on legislation that will help educate doctors and patients about the need for better pain care for cancer patients. Health care reform will ensure that doctors and patients take the time to discuss treating pain and ensuring that no cancer patient will have to suffer while going through treatment. Visit our campaign page to learn more about pain care management.
Do you think cancer patients deserve access to pain management and care? Let us know your thoughts below.