Pain

Some treatments for breast cancer can cause pain while you are having them or for some time afterwards. For most people this will be manageable but for others it can affect their day-to-day life.

Joint pain

Taking hormone therapies, particularly aromatase inhibitors such as anastrozole (Arimidex) or letrozole (Femara), may mean you might experience pain or stiffness in your joints. This is usually mild and relieved by gentle exercise or anti-inflammatory drugs. However, in rare cases it may be severe enough for your specialist to refer you to a rheumatologist (a doctor who has a special interest in joint and muscle pain). Occasionally you may be advised to stop treatment.

Pain after breast surgery

After breast surgery the areas near where you were operated on may continue to feel sore and your arm may feel stiff for several weeks. This should gradually improve over time.

Many people experience pain, numbness and a burning sensation as a result of temporary damage to the minor nerves under the arm (axilla) and scar area. This should settle within the first few weeks or months after surgery. However for a few people pain in their scar, chest wall, upper arm or shoulder continues and this is sometimes described as post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS). PMPS may also affect those who have had breast conserving surgery.

What can be done to relieve the pain

If the pain is interfering with everyday tasks and affecting your sleep it can be an added source of anxiety at a time when you are hoping to move forward in your recovery. If you are experiencing pain like this it is important that you contact your hospital team to discuss the pain and ways to help relieve it. You may be referred to a pain clinic where your pain will be assessed and different options can be discussed with you.

You may find it helpful to take regular pain relief using anti-inflammatory drugs either in tablet or topical (applied to the skin) form. Other drugs can be helpful and may also be prescribed such as a low dose, antidepressant. Continuing arm and shoulder exercises can help and gentle heat such as taking a warm bath may ease the pain.

Getting fitter, feeling stronger

Physiotherapy may also help with arm and shoulder movement and your breast care nurse will usually be able to refer you for this. Some hospitals run specific clinics for people with persistent pain that is difficult to relieve.

If you are experiencing pain around your shoulder, armpit or over your scar that does not improve with time or pain relief, it is important to talk to your hospital team.