Palliative care is a core intervention in cancer control and management. Its patient and family-centred approach makes it effective for prevention, early detection and treatment acceptance and compliance.
As we come the end of the month of February in which we commemorated both the World Cancer Day and the International Childhood Cancer Day, we share stories of hope and good practice that also call for more action in the management of cancer.
In this 2-minute video clip, the African Palliative Care Association captures patient voices to highlight the benefits derived from the legitimate use of morphine, and herein appeals to all African countries to give pain management the due attention it deserves in order to prevent unnecessary suffering for patients with cancer and other life threatening and life-limiting conditions.
The correct diagnosis and proper treatment of pain is an important public health concern that demands higher levels of attention in Africa. Many patients with severe acute and chronic pain suffer because of ignorance among health care workers and the lack of a standardized scientific approach to pain management. Coordinated efforts of government, civil society, patients and their families will make the essential difference.
Palliative care services promote treatment of pain by legitimate use of opioid analgesics, while at the same time adhering to the WHO Access to Controlled Medications Programme to achieve a balance between the use of controlled substances for legitimate medical purposes and the prevention of their abuse.
Rev Father Joseph Lukwago, who has cancer, shares his story in the video clip. Watch video clip here 
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