Chronic neuropathic pain affects between 20% and 50% of women
after their breast cancer treatment. The Human Response to Illness
(HRTI) model provides a comprehensive theoretic framework to guide
the assessment and management of this pain in women with breast
cancer. Knowledge of the physiologic, pathophysiologic, behavioral,
and experiential perspectives, as well as personal and environmental
factors, will assist nurses and other health care professionals to de-
velop better assessment tools and improve interventions and treat-
ment modalities. This will provide guidance for nursing practice, edu-
cation, and research and ultimately improve the quality of life,
optimize outcomes, and reduce the incidence of chronic neuropathic
pain in the breast cancer population.
© 2009 by the American Society for Pain Management Nursing