THE ROLE OF THE NURSE IN PAIN CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT IN ONCOLOGY PATIENTS

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the nurse’s role in pain control and symptom management in cancer patients, considering pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions as well as the challenges faced in clinical practice. It is a qualitative, exploratory, non-systematic literature review carried out using SciELO, BVS, the Ministry of Health, and Google Scholar databases. Of the 69 initially identified articles, 23 met the inclusion criteria, covering publications from 2018 to 2025 that addressed the nursing role in cancer-related pain. The findings demonstrated that cancer pain is a multidimensional phenomenon involving physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects, requiring nurses to adopt sensitive, humanized, and evidence-based approaches. Continuous pain assessment using validated scales proved essential for effective management, allowing identification of intensity, characteristics, and functional impact. Non-pharmacological interventions such as acupuncture, massage, relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and integrative therapies showed complementary effectiveness, reducing anxiety and improving comfort and quality of life. Health education, active listening, and therapeutic bonding strengthened patient and family coping. Major challenges included limited continuing education, work overload, insufficient communication among team members, and absence of standardized protocols, which compromise care quality. The study concludes that nurses play a fundamental role in promoting comprehensive and compassionate care, being essential for pain control and the physical and emotional well-being of cancer patients. Strengthening continuing education, interdisciplinary work, and integrative practices is crucial to improve pain management effectiveness and enhance oncology care standards.