PREVALENCE, MECHANISMS, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL OUTCOMES OF CHRONIC PAIN IN CANCER SURVIVORS

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic pain (CP) is predominant in cancer survivors, affecting both their physical and mental well-being. While pain management is important, long-term care strategies are often lacking. This systematic review with narrative synthesis looks at the causes of chronic pain in cancer survivors, the prevalence of chronic pain, and how it impacts their psychological (mental) health. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using studies from Pubmed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Research published between 2000 and 2024 was included if it examined chronic pain in cancer survivors. Key data on pain types, causes, and psychological effects were analyzed. Results: Chronic pain in cancer survivors is often due to neuropathic, nociceptive, or nociplastic mechanisms. Surgery and chemotherapy frequently cause neuropathic pain, while nociceptive pain can result from radiation or tumor growth. Many survivors also experience psychological outcomes like depression, anxiety, and fear of cancer coming back, which is caused by chronic pain. Most studies focus on one type of treatment rather than combining different approaches to chronic pain. Discussion: The findings show that pain management should be more comprehensive, combining medical and psychological care. Current guidelines mainly focus on pain during cancer treatment, but there is little guidance on long-term pain relief. More personalized treatment plans could help improve cancer survivors’ outcomes. Conclusion: Chronic pain remains a major issue for cancer survivors, but current treatments are often not enough. Future research should focus on better guidelines and integrated care approaches to improve survivors’ quality of life.