Pilot study of a survey to identify the prevalence and risk factors for chronic neuropathic pain in women following breast cancer surgery

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women. Chronic neuropathic pain post breast surgery (PPBS), also known as chronic post mastectomy/lumpectomy pain syndrome, is a poorly understood complication posing a significant clinical challenge with major negative impact on patients' quality of life. This study aims to: 1) provide a preliminary determination of the prevalence rate of women who suffer from PPBS; and 2) explore potential risk factors associated with women developing PPBS. This pilot study used a prospective, longitudinal, quantitative survey design, with a demographic questionnaire and the Brief Pain Inventory. Seventeen women were recruited at a breast health clinic in Western Canada; 23.5% developed PPBS. Younger age (≤50 years), more invasive surgery, acute post-operative pain, and less analgesic use at the acute post-operative period, were more commonly found in the women who developed PPBS. Future research is required to confirm the significance of these potential risk factors.