Italy Reforms National Policy for Cancer Pain Relief and Opioids
It is estimated that there are about 300,000 new cases of cancer per year in Italy [Zurrida & Costa 1997]. Many of these patients, especially those in the late-stage, will suffer from moderate to severe pain. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established a public health goal to relieve cancer pain and has made recommendations to governments [World Health Organization 1986; 1990]. Opioid analgesics are essential for the relief of cancer pain but often are not available for a variety of reasons including excessively strict national narcotic regulations [World Health Organization 1996]. The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) has asked governments to evaluate their national policies to ensure the availability of opioids for medical purposes, in accordance with the United Nations 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. The Single Convention recognizes explicitly that opioid analgesics (narcotic drugs) are indispensable for the relief of pain and suffering, and that national governments are obligated to ensure adequate availability for medical and scientific purposes [United Nations 1973].