Israeli study reveals key risk factors for post-breast surgery pain

A new Israeli study found that 61% of women experience arm pain, restricted movement, or functional impairment after breast cancer surgery, with sleep quality and emotional distress emerging as key risk factors. The findings challenge the assumption that surgical extent alone determines recovery outcomes. The research, published in The Breast, analyzed 1,602 women over up to 36 months post-surgery. Insomnia tripled the risk of upper limb morbidity, while emotional distress independently increased risk. Chemotherapy, underlying conditions, and post-surgical complications also contributed, whereas surgery type and lymph node removal showed limited independent association. The study suggests broader post-operative assessments, including sleep and mental health, could improve rehabilitation. Machine learning models enhanced risk prediction, potentially enabling earlier identification of women needing physiotherapy or personalized intervention. Researchers recommend multidisciplinary care addressing sleep disturbances and comorbidities.