OXYCONTIN IMPROVES MANY PATIENTS' LIVES

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to two columns, ''Pains of OxyContin'' and ''Man's
backache lands him in detox,'' published Nov. 23.

While cases of misuse have taken the forefront of recent media coverage,
I'd like to point out that appropriate pain management does not result in
addiction. Each year, thousands of cancer patients benefit from medical
advances that include the development of pain medications like OxyContin.

Unfortunately, the only stories we seem to hear about OxyContin feature its
abuse. Ms. Bloodworth's column fails to cite any of the thousands of cases
where OxyContin has dramatically improved the quality of life for
late-stage cancer patients. Does she know how important these pain
medications can be to a majority of cancer patients?

I agree that controls are necessary to eliminate abuse, but not at the
expense of the patients who desperately need them for legitimate medical
uses. For cancer sufferers, pain does not have to be part of the treatment
process. In fact, when pain is adequately controlled, the patient and
provider can dedicate more energy to fighting the disease.

Effective pain management is essential for cancer patients. The American
Cancer Society supports efforts to improve the awareness of and education
about the inadequate treatment of cancer pain.

I hope that as steps are taken to curb misuse, we do not lose sight of
severe pain sufferers, those who use drugs like OxyContin to get through
the day.

Chastity Mitchell

American Cancer Society

Nashville 37203