The European Pain in Cancer survey (EPIC) is the largest ever study into the prevalence, treatment and impact of cancer-related pain. [Новость добавлена - 30.09.2007]

The survey involves more than 4,000 cancer patients, covering 12 different countries and including all cancer types with the exception of skin cancer. Its results highlight that pain is a significant factor in reducing quality of life in people with cancer, and is often inadequately controlled.

About the survey

The EPIC survey was conducted by an independent market research company under the auspices of the European Association of Palliative Care (EAPC) and with the help of a Steering Panel comprising of the European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS), the Lance Armstrong Foundation and OPEN Minds – a group of leading experts from across Europe specialising in research and the management of persistent pain - and sponsored by a restricted educational grant from Mundipharma International Limited.

The objectives of the survey were to:

• Investigate the impact of pain on cancer patients
• Establish the prevalence of pain for patients across all cancer stages in Europe
• Understand current treatment practices and levels of satisfaction, and identify the gaps in the existing provision of effective pain management for cancer patients across Europe
• Explore the impact of pain on sufferers’ quality of life