A Hospital Based Survey on Lung Cancer Related-pain in Northern China

Clinical Characteristics, Evaluation and Management of Lung Cancer Related-pain in Northern China: a Hospital-based Cross-sectional Study

This cross-sectional study, utilizing two sets of questionaire designed for patients and physicians respectively, aims at the epidemiology, the clinical features, and the current status of evaluation and management of lung cancer related pain in 20 participating hospitals in Northern China.

Lung malignancies have become the most common cause of mortality among patients with cancer in China. A significant proportion of lung cancer patients suffer from cancer related pain, however few studies have reported the prevalence and clinical features of such pain, especially in China.

This study is a cross-sectional survey in 20 hospitals in Northern China. We designed two separate series of questions to be answered by patients and cancer management professionals. In the patient questionaire, we collect information on the prevalence, location, intensity, impact on life of lung cancer related pain. Questions on how doctors evaluate and manage the pain are included in both the patients' and physicians' surveys. In the doctors' questionaire, we also assess current situation of cancer pain educational programs attended in medical schools and post graduation through related questions.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. The patient questionaire

   • All patients (outpatient and inpatient) diagnosed with lung cancer visiting the participating hospitals on the designated day of investigation
   • Informed consent must be obtained from the participating patients

2. The physician questionaire

   • All physicians who receive lung cancer patients (outpatient and inpatient) in the participating hospitals on the designated day of investigation