Chronic pain among patients treated for breast cancer: Prevalence and associates factors.
This single-center cross-sectional study of 100 Tunisian women treated surgically for breast cancer reports chronic pain in all participants and identifies body mass index, number of children, and number of removed lymph nodes as independent correlates of pain intensity.
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This single-center cross-sectional study of 100 Tunisian women treated surgically for breast cancer reports chronic pain in all participants and identifies body mass index, number of children, and number of removed lymph nodes as independent correlates of pain intensity.
Research significance
The evidence supports an association between selected clinical or demographic factors and post-treatment pain intensity; it does not test a therapy, but it suggests—by inference—that risk-stratified pain assessment and prospective evaluation of comprehensive pain management may be useful.
Source abstract
OBJECTIVES: Chronic pain has emerged as a significant health issue among women treated for breast cancer, representing a substantial burden that negatively affects quality of life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of chronic pain among Tunisian breast cancer survivors. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study including 100 Tunisian women treated for breast cancer at the Medical Oncology Department of Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital (Monastir, Tunisia). Data collected included sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, lifestyle habits, and medical history. Validated instruments were used, including the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), DN4 questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Family APGAR score. RESULTS: The prevalence of chronic pain in our population was 100%. All participants reported persistent pain following breast cancer surgery, without any other identified medical cause. The most common pain locations were the breast and ipsilateral upper limb. Pain interference was generally mild in both affective and activity domains. Most participants (88%) belonged to highly functional families. Higher pain intensity was significantly associated with a greater number of children and a history of dysthyroidism. Multivariate analysis identified body mass index, number of children, and number of lymph nodes removed as independent predictors of pain intensity. Higher pain intensity was also associated with increased anxiety levels. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic pain is highly prevalent among breast cancer survivors and is influenced by multiple factors, highlighting the need for comprehensive assessment and management strategies.