The Relationship Between Menopausal Status and Pain After Breast Cancer Surgery

Women often undergo surgery as treatment for breast cancer, which results in moderate-to-severe acute postoperative pain (APOP), and in some patients transitions into chronic pain. Given that pain is influenced by a multitude of biopsychosocial factors, it is important to continue identifying those which affect individual postoperative pain (POP) experiences. This study examines the relationship between menopausal status and breast cancer surgery (BCS) pain. Women were divided into groups by menopausal status, and examined on four pain outcomes: prevalence, intensity, quality, and impact on quality of life (QoL) one week and six months postoperatively. Using chi-square tests and ANCOVAs, it was found that PRE-M women were more likely to exhibit persistent pain, but LP-M women had a higher prevalence of neuropathic-type pain and worse long-term mental health outcomes. Our results support the biopsychosocial model of pain, and highlight menopausal status as an important factor when considering pain management strategies.