Chronic pain remains after breast cancer treatment
Breast cancer patients often struggle with persistent pain long after their treatments are completed, according to new research published in the latest Journal of the American Medical Association.
Nearly half of patients surveyed said they had lingering pain two to three years after their cancer treatment, according to the study by Danish researchers. The pain can be severe to mild, and for some women it doesn't simply come and go -- it endures. Of the 13 percent of women who reported severe pain, 77 percent said they experienced it every day.
The study, which examined chronic pain in 3,754 women ages 18 to 70, found women younger than 40 were more likely to suffer from it. Of women who had breast-conserving surgery, the highest risk of pain was in young women 18 to 39 -- much higher than those in their 60s.
The pain was due to surgery and subsequent nerve damage, as well as chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Women felt pain in their breasts, but also under their arms and on the sides of their body.
The issue demands more attention, according to an accompanying editorial, from doctors from the Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla. ...
Some people are starting to take notice. My colleague Jill Rosen explored the arduous journey breast cancer survivors face after treatment, from fatigue and depression to cardiac issues and joint pain. While a medical movement is underway to confront the hardships that women face, being a survivor can be difficult.
As breast cancer survivor Ellen Currotto (pictured right) says in the story: "I don't think it ever really is done. Survivorship is still a challenge."
Baltimore Sun photo
Comments
I'm glad that someone is finally addressing this problem. I am a six and one half year survivor of Stage 3 breast cancer. I have pain every day and have told any doctor that will listen to me. They tell me I have to learn to live with it. I wish I could do something to alleviate this pain.
Posted by: Pam Hearn | November 18, 2009 10:36 AM
There is a great book called Alternative answers to pain by Richard Thomas and Consultant Dr Tim Nash. Its quite good.
Posted by: michael | December 2, 2009 10:07 AM
I also have pain. Thought I was the only one or the cancer was returning. Still not sure. I am short of 1 year survivor and and constantly trying to explain pain symtoms to my entourage of doctors. Only one seems to listen and she sends me for more tests. My oncologist told me to go to a pain management specialist. Scarey.
Posted by: merrily | July 28, 2010 7:22 AM
I had a partial and I have been suffering with very bad pain since 1999 I had operation 1998, under my breast I feel like A rib is coming out of my body, can't bend over,can't shave my legs, can't lift anything. It has taking over my life. I would like to fine just 1 doctor that will take my complaint seriously and help me. Not only that pain now i get pain in my neck and upper shoulders cause of the way i have to lay and stand and sit up because of it.
Posted by: Debbi | November 8, 2010 9:21 AM
I am a new breast cancer survivor and yes, the pain is still there and all the doctors either say I am a baby or they act like I am lying! Well I sure hope none of them ever go through what we have been through. I would however like to see how they would handle the daily pain and stabbing pain that is like a knife.
Posted by: penny | November 20, 2010 6:18 PM