Substance Abuse Issues in Cancer
Psychosocial and Palliative Care Program
Introduction
This patient summary on substance abuse issues in cancer is adapted from the summary
written for health professionals by cancer experts. This and other credible
information about cancer treatment, screening, prevention,supportive care, and
ongoing clinical trials, is available from the National Cancer Institute.
Substance abuse rarely develops in people who have cancer who do not
have a history of drug or alcohol abuse. This brief summary describes
substance abuse issues in patients with cancer who have a history of
substance abuse, and addresses the use of opioid drugs to control cancer pain.