A recent survey by the European Centre for Cancer Pain Research shows that two-thirds of cancer patients have a pain index of more than moderate, and a quarter of patients have a pain index of more than severe, so much so that they prefer euthanasia when in pain. The key to reducing pain is to maintain good communication between doctors and patients on pain issues and to ensure patients’ confidence in applying various pain medications. According to a foreign news report, the statistics were derived from a study of more than 4,000 cancer patients in 12 European countries. The research center said that this is the largest and most comprehensive survey on the pain status of cancer patients in terms of the number of participants. The report shows that pain is what causes one-third of patients to visit hospitals, and that most patients’ conditions are effectively treated while the pain caused by cancer is not well controlled. This pain occurs at a high rate and lasts for a long time. More than one-third of patients reported that they endured such pain for more than a year. The survey shows that pain is one of the most important factors affecting the quality of life and relationships of cancer patients. 68% of the respondents believe that the pain caused by cancer affects their daily activities; 42% believe that the pain affects their relationships with their families. Franco DeConno is the head of the Cancer Rehabilitation and Mitigation Group at the Italian National Cancer Institute in Milan and the honorary director of the Rehabilitation and Mitigation Group at the European Centre for Cancer Pain Research. He says that the torment caused by the disease is immense and that what is simple for healthy people is difficult for them. This is one of the triggers that cause patients to choose euthanasia. Although there are medications that can help patients reduce pain, nearly two-thirds of patients said they often have problems with inadequate doses of pain medication. The survey noted that a quarter of respondents said that doctors do not always ask about their pain, and a third felt that doctors do not have time to focus on pain issues. Dr. Trisha Tate, medical advisor at Marie Curie Cancer Medical Center and head of the Royal Society of Medicine’s Cancer Rehabilitation and Palliation Division, believes the key to solving the problem is good communication between doctors and patients on pain issues and ensuring patient confidence in the application of various pain medications. Keri Coverdale is an ovarian cancer patient. She says the pain caused by cancer is beyond the comprehension of those who have not experienced it. Currently, Coverdale is recovering after receiving treatment. She believes that communication is very important and that patients should not suffer in silence, but should communicate more with their families, friends and doctors.