Abstract

Breast cancer is a major cause of physical and mental disturbances in women. Cancer and its treatment, exert not only a serious physical as well as mental toll on the body but also may leave behind permanent painful reminders of their presence. With improved medical diagnostic, treatment methodology as well as broad cancer research, health practitioners provide better cancer management with enhanced lifestyle in breast cancer patients and breast cancer survivors. The prevalence rate of chronic neuropathic pain following breast cancer surgery may exceed 50% and with an increase in life expectancy of BCS, providing adequate pain relief is of paramount importance to improve their quality of life. A large number of risk factors associated to predispose to chronic postsurgical pain. The severity of post-surgical pain also varies on the type of surgery performed. All treatment methodology like radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery etc. have their own associate complications and intensity of pain during treatment, even after treatment. The genetic makeup of patients also influences the pain occurrence and pain intensity, as well as the efficacy of treatment methodology. Intensive cancer research and pharmacokinetic studies open personalized treatment methodology based on their genetic constituents, as well as their interaction with the environment to the most effective treatment methodology and pain management during treatment or post-treatment till her life. A comprehensive association of drug, therapy, surgery, and their genetic polymorphism will guide the suitable treatment methodology for the better management of pain and life quality.

Keywords: Breast cancer, Breast cancer survivor, Chronic pain, Pain management, Life quality.