The Hawaii Cancer Pain Initiative exists for the purpose of improving the management of cancer pain. The Initiative is a World Health Organization demonstration program and is part of a nationwide project mandate to control cancer-related pain. The consequences of under treated cancer pain can affect all aspects of a person's life, and may lead to depression, feelings of anger, isolation, and ultimately, to thoughts of suicide.

Pain can be managed successfully in any setting. Good pain management is an important patient right at any stage of a disease process. Vital signs are checked frequently during the course of care for any patient. Pain should be considered the "Fifth Vital Sign" and deserving of as much attention as the other vital signs. Good pain assessment is the basis of successful pain management. Health care professionals can manage pain, and the general public should expect good pain management.

HPACC members are:

• Hawaii Medical Association
• Hawaii Nurses Association
• Healthcare Association of Hawaii
• Hawaii Cancer Pain Initiative
• Not Dead Yet (Disability Rights Organization)
• Disability Rights Hawaii
• Hawaii Centers for Independent Living
• Hawaii Family Forum
• Hawaii Catholic Conference
• Hawaii Right to Life

6301 Pali Highway
Kaneohe, HI 96744-5224
Phone: (808) 203-6704
Fax: (808) 261-7022
hpacc@hpacc.org