The 3P-CP model: Expanding our conceptualization of cancer pain

Cancer pain is a complex, multifactorial, and growing public health challenge affecting millions of Americans. Effective pain management is essential for comprehensive cancer care, influencing physical and mental health, quality of life, and functional ability. However, progress in cancer pain management is hindered by the complexity of the issue and a fragmented understanding of the myriad factors shaping the pain experience. Additionally, traditional pain terminology—“acute” (<6 months) and “chronic” pain (≥6 months)—offers limited utility in cancer contexts, highlighting the need for a more nuanced framework. To address this gap, we propose the 3P-CP model, which conceptualizes cancer pain through three interconnected phases: predisposing factors that increase cancer pain risk, precipitating factors that trigger cancer pain onset, and perpetuating factors that sustain or exacerbate cancer pain over time. This model provides a structured approach to assess the dynamic nature of cancer pain across the entirety of the cancer trajectory. In this paper, key factors associated with each phase of the 3P-CP model are outlined and their implications for research and clinical care explored. Aligning with the oncology field's shift toward precision medicine, the 3P-CP model has the potential to guide comprehensive assessment, risk mitigation, prevention, and intervention strategies—supporting efforts to deliver the right targeted and tailored treatments, to the right patients, at the right time.