Objective

To assess pain severity and interference with life in women after different types of breast cancer surgery and the demographic, treatment-related, and psychosocial variables associated with these pain outcomes.

Summary of background data

 Data are conflicting regarding pain outcomes and quality of life (QOL) among women who undergo different types of breast surgery.

Methods

 Women with nonhereditary breast cancer completed the brief pain inventory before surgery and at 1, 6, 12, and 18 months postsurgery. We assessed associations between pain outcomes and CPM status and mastectomy status using multivariable repeated measures models. We assessed associations between pain outcome and QOL and decision satisfaction.

Conclusions

 Providers should counsel women considering mastectomy about the potential for greater acute pain and its impact on overall well-being. Racial/ethnic disparities in pain exist and influence pain management in breast surgical patients.

Read the full study here: Prospective Study of Pain Outcomes Associated With Breast Surgery in Women With Nonhereditary Breast Cancer - PubMed (nih.gov)