Salz T, et al. - Researchers performed multilevel logistic regression analyses using data from SEER and Medicare in order to assess trends in opioid use over time among cancer survivors. Opioid-naïve survivors of colorectal, lung, and breast cancers (n=46,789) were compared with respect to chronic opioid use (≥ 90 consecutive days) and were matched with non-cancer controls (n=138,136). The investigators found that colorectal and lung cancer survivors exhibited chronic use more than controls in the first year after the index date (survivor’s diagnosis date). Based on cancer, variations were evident in the chronic opioid use among three large populations of older cancer survivors. However, by 6 years post-diagnosis, survivors and controls were found to be equivalent in use. The authors suggested that the risks related to chronic high-dose opioid use should be considered while developing strategies for appropriate pain management during and after cancer treatment.