Breakthrough pain: a qualitative study involving patients with advanced cancer.

<bold>Context: </bold>Breakthrough cancer pain is associated with a high burden of physical, psychological and social problems in quantitative studies. Individual experiences of living with breakthrough pain have not been studied.<bold>Objectives: </bold>This study aims to explore the individual experience of living with breakthrough cancer pain using a qualitative methodology.<bold>Methods: </bold>In depth semi-structured interviews were conducted in ten patients with breakthrough cancer pain, and a qualitative content analysis was performed.<bold>Results: </bold>The overarching themes that emerged were daily living, communication with health care professionals and management of breakthrough pain.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>Recognising the impact of breakthrough pain and the issues expressed by patients regarding communication and medication gives the clinician a framework for assessment and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]