Pain remains one of the most prevalent and complex symptoms experienced by patients with breast cancer, arising from surgical interventions, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and metastatic disease, and significantly affecting quality of life and functional outcomes.
The aim of this presentation is to highlight a structured, evidence-based and multidisciplinary approach to pain management across the continuum of breast cancer care. This presentation synthesizes current methods for comprehensive pain assessment, integrating clinical evaluation with patient-reported outcomes to identify nociceptive, neuropathic and mixed pain syndromes. It further outlines contemporary pharmacological strategies, including optimized use of non-opioid analgesics, adjuvant agents and safe opioid prescribing practices, emphasizing risk mitigation, monitoring parameters and prevention of adverse events.
Non-pharmacological approaches are also considered, such as physiotherapy, manual lymphatic techniques, psychological support and integrative therapies, which collectively contribute to improved patient comfort and autonomy. Preliminary outcomes from supportive-care pathways implemented at a dedicated breast center suggest enhanced symptom control, reduced opioid requirements and higher patient satisfaction.
The presentation concludes that effective pain management in breast cancer requires coordinated multidisciplinary collaboration among surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pharmacists, psychologists, dietitians and physiotherapists. Such integrated models can lead to more personalized, safer and sustainable approaches to supportive care, ultimately improving both patient experience and clinical outcomes.
What Topics included?
- Risk of developing Breast Cancer
- Epidemiology of Breast Cancer Pain
- Types of Pain
- Cancer related Pain
- Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome (PMPS)
- PQRST method to evaluate Pain
- Pain Management
- Pharmacological management
- Administration of Analgesic Medicine for Cancer Patients
- WHO – 3 Step Analgesic Ladder
- Morphine Pharmacokinetics: Immediate vs Slow Release
- Management of Neuropathic pain in Breast Cancer
- Why spiritual is evidence-based so important!
- Non-Pharmacological Interventions
- Multimodal Pain Management in Breast Cancer
- Barriers of Optimal Pain Management
- Opioids Saves Lives: Overcoming Opiophobia
- Precision Pain Medicine and Novel Therapies
Presented at: Breast Cancer Global Summit 2026 – Online, February 20 – Sunday.
Organizer: WOWONCOLOGY
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