There is a weak evidence base for the effectiveness of complementary therapies in terms of pain control, but they may improve wellbeing. Safety issues are also a consideration in this area. Patients with cancer pain spend most of their time in the community until their last month of life. Older patients and those in care homes in particular may have under-treated pain. Primary care teams supported by palliative care teams are best placed to initiate and manage cancer pain therapy, but education of patients, carers and healthcare professionals is essential to improve outcomes. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are cancer treatments that.
