Women Who Underwent Preventive Mastectomy for Cancer Then Began Experiencing Pain

Women who undergo preventive mastectomies to reduce their breast cancer risk are increasingly reporting persistent, debilitating pain after surgery, a condition known as post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS).

Sophia Bassan, 43, described experiencing stabbing pain beneath her right armpit just three weeks after her preventive mastectomy. In the following months, she reported painful shocks radiating through her chest and back, heightened sensitivity that made wearing a shirt or lifting a fork unbearable, and discomfort so severe she had to sleep sitting up. At times, even light touch, such as her cat’s tail brushing her back, caused her to scream in pain.

Post-mastectomy pain syndrome refers to ongoing discomfort or pain lasting more than three months after breast cancer surgery or treatment. Symptoms can include burning, stabbing, or tingling sensations, numbness, and difficulty with movement or daily activities. While some pain after surgery is expected, PMPS involves symptoms that persist or emerge after the initial healing period.