Prevalence and Impact of Postmastectomy Pain Syndrome Among Breast Cancer Survivors at the Tumor Therapy and Cancer Research Center, Shendi, Sudan

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> <bold>Introduction:</bold> Postmastectomy Pain Syndrome (PMPS) is a chronic neuropathic pain condition affecting a significant proportion of breast cancer (BC) survivors, compromising their quality of life (QoL).Despite its clinical significance, PMPS remains underreported and inadequately managed, particularly in resource-limited<bold> </bold>settings such as Sudan. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, severity, and QoL<bold> </bold>impact of PMPS among breast cancer survivors in Sudan, while exploring risk factors and current gaps in pain management. <bold>Methods:</bold> A cross-sectional study was conducted among 116 postmastectomy patients at the Tumor Therapy and Cancer Research Center, Shendi. Data were collected through structured interviews and questionnaires, evaluating demographic characteristics, pain <bold>char</bold>acteristics (prevalence, severity<bold>)</bold>, and QoL.<bold> </bold>Associations between PMPS and clinical variables (surgery type, radiotherapy (RT), chemotherapy) were analyzed using statistical tests. <bold>Results</bold>: The prevalence of PMPS was 35.3%. Pain was predominantly mild to moderate but significantly impaired physical functioning and social participation. PMPS was associated with the type of surgery (<italic>P</italic> = 0.021), radiotherapy (RT) (<italic>P</italic> = 0.024), and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) (<italic>P</italic> = 0.016). Notably, there was a low utilization of pain management strategies, with only 21.9% of participants used analgesic medications, and 85.4% reported no preoperative counselling about PMPS. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> PMPS is highly prevalent and debilitating among breast cancer survivors in Sudan, marked by significant gaps in pain management and patient education, which substantially impair their quality of life. These findings underscore the need for standardized pain management protocols, routine preoperative counselling, and multidisciplinary support services to improve PMPS care. Future research should explore context-specific interventions to reduce the burden of PMPS and enhance the long-term well-being of breast cancer survivors."