Approximately 70% of advanced cancer patients experience pain. While well managed in the majority of patients, in some cases pain management may be more difficult. The complexity of the cancer pain experience presents unique challenges for the classification of pain.
In response to the difficulties in clinical assessment, the Edmonton Staging System (ESS), a classification system for cancer pain, was developed.
Problems in the definitions and interpretation of some aspects of the ESS led to further refinement and development of the revised Edmonton Staging System (rESS). Because of its use as a cancer pain classification rather than staging system, the name of the instrument was changed to the Edmonton Classification System for Cancer Pain (ECS-CP).
The ECS-CP is comprised of five distinct features.
1. Mechanism of pain
2. Incident pain
3. Psychological distress
4. Addictive behavior
5. Cognitive function
The selection of responses within each feature may be based on the clinical interview and physical examination, medical record, assessment of cognitive function, and consultation with family and other health care professionals.
See reference for more information. Adapted from Fainsinger R el at. Edmonton Classification System for Cancer Pain (ECS-CP). Administration manual. AHS Edmonton Zone Palliative Care Program, CH Palliative Institute & University of Alberta. June 2019. Internet. Available at https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/peolc/if-peolc-ed-ecs-cp-admin-manual.pdf Accessed on July 10, 2021.