These factors include inadequate training for professionals and the ability of the patient to report pain and complain if necessary. Health professionals often do not notice the signs of pain in patients. In order to adequately manage pain in elderly cancer patients, there needs to be a different mindset among practitioners and patients. While patients do not die from pain, untreated pain often leads to worse pain. Patients' report of pain is subjective but can be helped by the use of pain scales.
Pain management takes time and planning.
Clinicians have expressed concern that pain medication can have harmful side effects such as confusion and balance problems. Clinicians may be wary of the use of controlled substances in light of regulations. Pain management in the future is likely to change as families, patients, and the public recognize that cancer does not have to be painful and that patients need to be comfortable to facilitate the healing process when possible or to make the end of life more peaceful. Emanuel, Ezekiel J., and Margaret P. Battin. In 1997, the United States Supreme Court ruled to allow each state to decide whether or not to legalize physician-assisted suicide.