Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network : JNCCN
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J Natl Compr Canc Netw · Aug 2015
Preoperative Distress Predicts Persistent Pain After Breast Cancer Treatment: A Prospective Cohort Study.
Persistent pain after breast cancer treatment (PPBCT) affects 25% to 60% of breast cancer survivors and is recognized as a clinical problem, with 10% to 15% reporting moderate to severe pain several years after treatment. Psychological comorbidity is known to influence pain perception, and evidence links signs of depression and anxiety with development of PPBCT. The purpose of this study was to assess preoperative distress as a predictive factor for development of PPBCT. ⋯ Preoperative distress was associated with PPCBT, suggesting distress as an independent risk factor for PPBCT. Preoperative identification of patients at risk for PPBCT allows for further research in psychological and pharmacological treatment of this condition.