[Current status of implementation in Japan of the WHO guidelines for cancer pain relief and future perspectives]

Abstract

The WHO guidelines have much improved cancer pain management in Japan. In 1987, the Ministry of Health established new policy on palliative care, revised narcotics control measures, and edited guidelines on palliative care. Thus, national cancer pain relief program has been implemented and relieved many cancer patients of their severe persistent pain. Annual consumption of morphine for medical purposes gradually rose to 973 kg in 1999, but the annual morphine consumption per capita is still less than one-sixth of that in the US. In order to further achieve program implementation, educational approach should be much more strengthened. It is also emphasized that each health care professional should recognize the ethics in pain relief and each hospital should urgently has its policy to achieve freedom from cancer pain for all throughout Japan.