A doctor contemplating the complex landscape of cancer pain management and morphine use.

Cancer Pain Management: Are Oncologists in China Missing the Mark?

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research reveals critical gaps in oncologists' knowledge and attitudes towards morphine use for cancer pain, highlighting a need for better training and awareness."

For cancer patients, pain is a significant concern that considerably reduces their quality of life and affects their confidence in cancer treatment. Morphine, a potent analgesic, is a cornerstone in managing severe cancer pain. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes morphine consumption as a critical indicator of a country's commitment to cancer pain control.

While morphine use has increased in China since the implementation of WHO guidelines in 1990, it still lags behind developed nations. This discrepancy points to potential gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices surrounding morphine usage among healthcare professionals.

A new study investigates Chinese oncologists' understanding of cancer pain and morphine's clinical applications. It also highlights the factors hindering the optimal use of this essential pain medication in the People's Republic of China.

Key Findings: Knowledge Gaps and Misconceptions

A doctor contemplating the complex landscape of cancer pain management and morphine use.

The study, which surveyed 127 oncologists from Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, revealed some critical insights. While a significant percentage (75.6%) reported a comprehensive understanding of the WHO guidelines for cancer pain relief, a considerable number still lacked familiarity or had only basic knowledge.

Specifically, the research identified a few critical areas where oncologists struggled:

Target Analgesic Effects: Only 30.7% of oncologists correctly answered questions about the target effects of morphine, suggesting a misunderstanding of the ultimate goals of analgesic treatment.
Dosage Misconceptions: A substantial percentage believed in a maximum dose limit for morphine in cancer patients, which contradicts established pain management principles.
Indications for Morphine: Over a third of respondents were unclear about the appropriate indications for morphine usage, indicating a potential failure to fully implement the WHO's three-step guidelines.

These findings suggest that, despite increased awareness of international guidelines, there are still significant gaps in oncologists' practical knowledge about morphine and its application in cancer pain management.

Addressing the Barriers: A Call for Action

The study underscores that Chinese oncologists need more comprehensive knowledge and have misconceptions regarding cancer pain treatment and morphine's clinical application. The findings point to the crucial role of professional training initiatives in improving morphine use for cancer pain treatment.

The research identified key barriers to widespread morphine use, including insufficient training for medical personnel, poor patient compliance, concerns about drug side effects, and fear of addiction. All these factors need to be addressed directly through targeted educational and communication strategies.

By implementing comprehensive training programs and addressing misconceptions, healthcare systems in China can significantly improve cancer pain management and enhance the quality of life for patients in need.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

Why is cancer pain management important, and what is the role of morphine in it?

Cancer pain is a significant issue for patients undergoing cancer treatment, and it severely impacts their quality of life. Morphine, a potent analgesic, is a key medication in managing severe cancer pain, as recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). The study revealed that a lack of understanding of this critical aspect, particularly among oncologists in China, can lead to inadequate pain management and, ultimately, decreased patient confidence in their treatment.

What is the significance of the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and morphine consumption in the context of cancer pain management in China?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes morphine consumption as a critical indicator of a country's commitment to cancer pain control. Despite the implementation of WHO guidelines in 1990, China's morphine use lags behind developed nations. This gap reflects potential knowledge gaps, attitudes, and clinical practice issues among healthcare professionals, which hinders effective pain management and patient care.

What key findings from the study highlight the gaps in oncologists' knowledge about cancer pain and morphine use?

The study surveyed 127 oncologists from Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital and found that a significant percentage (75.6%) reported a comprehensive understanding of the WHO guidelines for cancer pain relief. However, considerable gaps remain in practical knowledge, particularly concerning the target analgesic effects of morphine, dosage misconceptions, and indications for its usage. This includes a misunderstanding of the ultimate goals of analgesic treatment and the appropriate situations for morphine administration. The findings point to the crucial role of professional training initiatives in improving morphine use for cancer pain treatment.

What are the specific areas of knowledge gaps and misconceptions regarding morphine identified in the study?

Target Analgesic Effects refer to the desired outcomes of morphine use, such as pain relief and improved patient comfort. The study revealed that only 30.7% of oncologists correctly answered questions about the target effects of morphine. Dosage Misconceptions involve beliefs about maximum dose limits for morphine in cancer patients, which contradicts established pain management principles. Indications for Morphine refer to the specific medical conditions or situations where morphine is appropriate for use, guided by the WHO's three-step guidelines. Over a third of respondents were unclear about the appropriate indications for morphine usage.

What are the implications of these findings, and what actions are needed to improve the situation?

The findings underscore that Chinese oncologists need more comprehensive knowledge and have misconceptions regarding cancer pain treatment and morphine's clinical application. The study emphasizes the crucial role of professional training initiatives in improving morphine use for cancer pain treatment. Addressing these gaps through education and training can lead to better pain management for cancer patients, improved quality of life, and increased confidence in their cancer treatment.