Italy reforms national policy for cancer pain relief and opioids.

2003 MAY 13 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Italy reforms national policy for cancer pain relief and opioids.

According to a study from the United States, "Treatment of pain caused by cancer in Italy has been reported to be inadequate for more than a decade.

"The problem has been documented in the literature by International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) reports that show Italy's low consumption of morphine, and by INCB statements reflecting concern that pain medications are not adequately available to suffering cancer patients," wrote C. Blengini and colleagues, WHO Collaborating Center, Pain & Policy Studies Group.

"The reasons for undertreatment …