Ethical Dilemmas in Pain Management Publisher

Summary: How should clinicians approach cancer pain ethically? A discussion balances autonomy, fair pain relief and opioid risks while recognizing clinicians’ moral distress. #PalliativeCare #MedicalEthics

Tahmasebi M ; Shamsi Gooshki E
Source: Pain Management in Palliative Care for Patients With Cancer Published:2026

Abstract

Pain management, especially in cancer patients, involves complex ethical dilemmas. These include respecting patient autonomy, balancing benefits and harms, ensuring equitable access to pain relief, managing the risks of opioid use, and addressing end-of-life considerations. Clinician burnout and moral distress are also significant issues. A comprehensive, patient-centered approach that includes both pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions is essential for effective and ethical pain management. © 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.