Persistent breast pain 5 years after treatment of invasive breast cancer is largely unexplained by factors associated with treatment.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to establish the prevalence of breast pain persisting 5 years after the initial treatment of breast cancer (BC) and the relationship between those persistent symptoms and general well-being.

METHODS

The study involved women from Victoria, Australia, who had survived at least 5 years from diagnosis, remained free from recurrence or new BC and completed the fifth annual follow-up questionnaire. Analysis involved both multivariable logistic and linear regression.

RESULTS

Of 1,205 women, 45 % reported breast pain which persisted for at least 3 months following initial treatment, and of these, 80 % reported pain persisting for at least 5 years. The factor contributing most to the likelihood of persistent breast pain was current lymphedema; however, a full multivariable model explained <10 % of the likelihood of breast pain persisting for 5 years. The presence of breast pain at 5 years was associated with only a modest reduction in general well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

Breast pain persisting for at least 5 years after treatment for BC is common. As the pain is largely unexplained by factors associated with the characteristics of the cancer or its treatment, the contribution of patient expectations to persistent breast pain may be considerable.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Where persistent pain occurs, referral for the management of pain and, where appropriate, lymphedema is warranted.