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Risk factors for pain after mastectomy/lumpectomy.
J S Carpenter1, P Sloan, M A Andrykowski
1Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, TN, USA.
Cancer Practice
|June 3, 1999
Summary
Identifying risk factors for postmastectomy pain (PMP) after breast cancer surgery is crucial. This study found no significant predictors, highlighting the need for universal PMP screening in all breast cancer survivors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pain Management
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Postmastectomy pain (PMP) is a common complication following breast cancer surgery.
- Predictive factors for PMP development remain poorly understood.
- Previous research has not systematically investigated a comprehensive set of potential risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate demographic, disease, treatment, and surgical variables as potential risk factors for PMP.
- To identify specific surgical techniques or patient characteristics associated with PMP.
- To inform clinical practice regarding PMP risk assessment.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 134 breast cancer survivors was studied.
- Data collected via telephone interviews and medical record review.
- Pain assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory; mean age 55 years, mean 35 months post-surgery.
Main Results:
- No significant differences found in demographic, disease, treatment, or surgical variables between women with and without PMP.
- PMP intensity was not associated with age at diagnosis, time post-surgery, or time post-treatment.
- PMP occurred even in cases with spared nerves or without documented complications, contrary to expectations.
Conclusions:
- PMP cannot be reliably predicted by the presence or absence of commonly assessed factors.
- Universal screening for PMP is recommended for all breast cancer survivors post-surgery.
- Effective pain management therapies should be readily available for PMP patients.