[Progress in surgical treatment may improve the quality of life in patients with breast surgery for malignant tumors].

Breast cancer surgery (BCS) is a common procedure performed in women. Chronic postmastectomy pain (PMP) has been reported in as many as 22-72 percent of patients. There are no published reports in Czech Republic. This study was performed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of PMP. An anonymous questionnaire was given to women after attending oncology departments in various hospitals during 3-month period. All 176 questionnaires have returned. The average age was 63.6 (SD 11.2) years, BMI 26.3 (SD 4.0). There was 23.6% of PMP prevalence in our group. The risk factors were younger age (below 60, p < 0.001, below 65, p < 0.01 resp.) and type of surgery (total mastectomy vs. tumour removal, p < 0.01). The prevalence of PMP in our study was significantly lower than in other studies. The age of our group was higher, than in other studies, but it does not explain the difference. We can hypothesise the reason is improved surgical technique.