SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS INFLUENCE PAIN PERCEPTION IN NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER PATIENTS.

Background: Lung cancer is the most common malignant disease in men and the third most common in women worldwide. Pain in these patients is a leading and debilitating symptom, among others.

Objectives: The aim of this research was to determine the relationship between the sociodemographic characteristics and pain perception, as measured by visual analogue scale for pain, in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Methods: This observational, single centre study included both a cross-sectional and prospective cohort design.

Results: Forty-one patients with a median age of 61 years (range 56-68) were included. This study showed that subjective perception of pain is related to age and place of residence. Younger patients ( ≤ 60 years old, p=0.026) and those residing in cities (p=0.03 1) reported feeling worse pain. Age was independently and statistically associated with the relative relief of pain after analgesic therapy (Wald=5.914; ss=1; p=0.015).

Conclusion: Age, lifestyle, place of residence, and mentality should be considered when evaluating pain percep- tion in patients suffering from chronic pain related to malignant disease in order to provide the best possible medical treat- ment with the goal of improving quality of life.