Mastectomy Patients Struggle With Chronic Pain After Surgery

Post-mastectomy pain syndrome is a common but often overlooked complication that can last for years.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:11pm

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Many women who undergo mastectomies to treat or prevent breast cancer are later afflicted by post-mastectomy pain syndrome, a condition that can cause debilitating chronic pain. However, PMPS is inconsistently diagnosed and treated, leaving patients in agony as they search for relief and face dismissive doctors. Experts say more research and awareness is needed to address this undertreated complication of a lifesaving surgery.

Why it matters

Mastectomies have become more common as breast cancer screening and genetic testing have improved, allowing more women to take preventive measures. But the rise in these surgeries has also led to an increase in post-mastectomy pain syndrome, a complication that can severely impact a patient's quality of life. Addressing PMPS is crucial to ensuring mastectomies are truly successful in treating and preventing breast cancer.

The details

Post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) is believed to be triggered by nerves that are severed during mastectomy surgery and left unrepaired. This can lead to chronic pain in the chest, shoulder, arm or armpit that lasts for months or years after the procedure. However, PMPS is poorly defined, inconsistently diagnosed, and lacks standardized treatment protocols, leaving many patients struggling to find relief. Doctors often dismiss the condition, telling women that some pain is to be expected after such a major surgery.

  • Sophia Bassan felt stabbing pain under her right armpit just three weeks after her mastectomy.
  • Jeni Golomb was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in both breasts in 2023 and had a double mastectomy soon after.
  • Susan Dishell has struggled with shoulder pain and a burning sensation since her 2017 mastectomy and reconstruction surgery.

The players

Sophia Bassan

A 43-year-old woman who underwent a preventive mastectomy and experienced debilitating post-surgical pain that has kept her out of work for over a year.

Jennifer Drubin Clark

A 42-year-old woman who struggled with severe pain after her mastectomy in 2018 and subsequent reconstruction surgery in 2019.

Jeni Golomb

A 48-year-old woman who was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in both breasts in 2023 and had a double mastectomy, later managing her chronic pain with high doses of the drug gabapentin.

Susan Dishell

A 67-year-old woman who has experienced shoulder pain and a burning sensation since her 2017 mastectomy and reconstruction surgery, trying numerous treatments without success.

Angelina Jolie

An actor who disclosed her own preventive mastectomy in a 2013 column, sparking a significant increase in genetic testing and preventive mastectomies known as the 'Angelina Jolie effect'.

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What they’re saying

“I remember thinking I was losing my mind. One time I was in so much pain that I had to take off my top, and then my cat's tail brushed against my back. I screamed.”

— Sophia Bassan

“I couldn't play the piano. I wanted to blow-dry my hair, but I couldn't hold my arm above my head for more than two seconds. I couldn't hold my kids. Everything made me cry.”

— Jennifer Drubin Clark

“It was the worst pain I ever felt. I labored to 10 centimeters, unmedicated, with one of my children, and that was not as bad as this. It was excruciating.”

— Jeni Golomb

What’s next

Lawmakers are considering the Advancing Women's Health Coverage Act, which would ensure insurance coverage for complications from breast cancer treatment, including chronic pain. More research is also needed to better understand and treat post-mastectomy pain syndrome.

The takeaway

While mastectomies have become more common and lifesaving, the rise in these surgeries has also led to an increase in the often overlooked and undertreated complication of post-mastectomy pain syndrome. Addressing this condition is crucial to ensuring women not only survive breast cancer, but can also thrive and live well after treatment.