Breakthrough pain: a qualitative study involving patients with advanced cancer

Breakthrough cancer pain is associated with a high burden of physical, psychological and social problems in quantitative studies. Individual experiences of living with breakthrough pain have not been studied. This study aims to explore the individual experience of living with breakthrough cancer pain using a qualitative methodology. In depth semi-structured interviews were conducted in ten patients with breakthrough cancer pain, and a qualitative content analysis was performed. The overarching themes that emerged were daily living, communication with health care professionals and management of breakthrough pain. Recognising the impact of breakthrough pain and the issues expressed by patients regarding communication and medication gives the clinician a framework for assessment and intervention.