Abdominal Pain (Stomach Pain) From Breast Cancer Treatment
Abdominal pain, also called stomach pain, is a possible side effect of breast cancer treatment. You might feel a dull ache, cramping, or a sharp pain anywhere between the ribs and pelvis.
Levels of stomach pain
Stomach pain can be:
acute: the pain lasts for a short time only
intermittent: the pain comes and goes
chronic: the pain feels better or worse at times but is always there
What does stomach pain feel like?
Stomach pain can range from any of the following:
cramps
stomachache
colicky pain (pain that comes in waves and starts and ends suddenly; kidney stones and gallstones commonly cause this type of abdominal pain)
ulcer pain
Causes of stomach pain from breast cancer treatments
Stomach pain is a side effect of several breast cancer treatments, including:
These breast cancer treatments can speed up or slow down your digestion, which can increase the amount of gas in the stomach and lead to cramping. When your digestion speeds up, it can cause cramping and diarrhea. When your digestion slows down, it can cause constipation. Chemotherapy also can affect the bacteria in your stomach, which can cause gas and abdominal pain. Other possible side effects of these treatments include nausea and vomiting.
Treatment for stomach pain
There are many possible causes of abdominal pain, some of which are very serious. For example, even someone receiving breast cancer treatment might have stomach pain because of an infection — the stomach pain might not have anything to do with breast cancer treatments.
Treatment for stomach pain depends on its cause and how mild or severe it is so it's important to talk to your doctor before trying to relieve the pain on your own. For mild stomach pain related to your gut, your doctor might recommend over-the-counter medicines for some relief and recommend changes to your diet for longer-lasting relief.
If you have stomach pain, let your doctor know right away, especially if you see the pain isn't going away or is getting worse as time passes.
— Last updated on September 27, 2023 at 6:40 PM