The prevalence of chronic postmastectomy pain syndrome in female breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer diagnoses in women and is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Surgical treatment is indicated in most patients. Postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) is a distinctive, persistent and debilitating neuropathic pain syndrome that develops after breast surgery. A review of the literature revealed no studies determining the prevalence of PMPS conducted in South Africa, specifically at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH). A detailed description of the prevalence of PMPS is needed to understand the problem in this patient group which may enable the development of a more effective pain management strategy.