Assessing the impact of pain on the life of breast cancer survivors using the Brief Pain Inventory

Abstract

[Purpose] This study attempted to assess the impact of pain on the life of breast cancer survivors using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). [Subjects and Methods] A cross-sectional study was conducted. Participants comprised 30 women, aged 30–80 years, who had received treatment for breast cancer (surgery and complementary treatment) at least 12 months prior to the study and had reported chronic pain related to the treatment procedures. [Results] The highest scores were found for “mood” (median: 5.00 points; first quartile: 1.00 points; third quartile: 7.25 points), “normal work” (median: 5.00 points; first quartile: 0.00 points; third quartile: 8.00 points), and “sleep” (median: 4.50 points, first quartile: 0.00 points, third quartile: 8.00 points). [Conclusion] Pain exerts a negative impact primarily on mood, normal work, and sleep among breast cancer survivors.