Salim NA, Nigim HA
Background: Pain is one of the main symptoms reported in cancer patients which is directly associated with the disease itself or while undergoing treatment. Non-pharmacological interventions are necessary to be included in treatment modalities for pain related to cancer, wherein a variety of options can be used to reduce pain and improve the quality of life Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is widely used, despite lacking evidence to confirm effectiveness in any type of chronic pain, including cancer-related pain Purpose: There are limited studies that discussed the uses of TENS. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to explore the effectiveness of TENS on cancer-related pain. Methodology: Literature review was conducted by searching in PubMed, Science Direct, EBSCO, CINAHL, and google science. 36 articles were found; the review utilized 9 articles despite extensive research which met the selection criteria. The articles regarding TENS is limited, thus the author extends the search for more than five years published articles, which extend between 1997-2013. Conclusion: There is insufficient evidence to ascertain as to whether TENS can be used in adults with cancerrelated pain. After reviewing all the articles, it is evident that there is no significant improvement in pain especially in patients with advanced cancer. The 9 articles which support the use of TENS, still provide inadequate evidence in the effectiveness of TENS to cancer patients. The author believes that TENS is futile to use in the treatment of cancer-related pain.
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Journal of Advanced Practices in Nursing received 410 citations as per Google Scholar report
