If you're experiencing any kind of pain be it dull, aching, sharp, constant, intermittent, mild or severe, you're not alone. Cancer pain strikes many women after surgery — one out of three patients, in fact. And while it may not be possible to eliminate it entirely, there are ways to control it or lessen its impact on your daily life. Talk to your doctor to find out how he/she can help alleviate the pain you're experiencing.
There are over the counter as well as prescription pain medications that may help. Other therapies, such as acupuncture, acupressure, massage, physical therapy, relaxation and meditation may also help. Talk to your doctor before starting any new medication.
Early Breast Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group. Introduction and methods sections reproduced from: Early Breast Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group Treatment of Early Breast Cancer. Vol 1. Worldwide Evidence 1985-1990. Available at:
http://www.ctsu.ox.ac.uk/publications/brecan90/section3.shtml#sec3.2. p 2.
