List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Summer 2012 issue
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Too many cancer patients are living in pain. But why? And where can patients turn to get relief? This article delves into the barriers that prevent cancer patients from receiving effective pain management and how they can break down those barriers to get the help they need.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Resources included review articles in medical journals, research studies, proposed legislation, medical guidelines, and online resources from the American Cancer Society, American Pain Foundation and Institute of Medicine.
Explain types of human sources used.
Sources included cancer patients experiencing pain, cancer pain researchers, medical oncologists, and patient advocates.
Results:
Unaware of any results directly tied to the article. My hope is that patients read it and got the help they need.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
None.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Daily headlines about opioid addiction and abuse set up a roadblock for cancer patients who are suffering from pain. I would urge journalists to report on the realities of what cancer patients face to help remove the fear and the shame often tied to pain management.