Dance Study for Post-surgical Pain in Breast Cancer Survivors

The purpose of this study is to examine how a 12-week, virtual dance program may improve pain and quality of life in participants with persistent post-surgical pain, or PPSP, following mastectomy or lumpectomy.

Inclusion Criteria: * History of Stage 0-III invasive breast cancer * Having undergone lumpectomy or mastectomy * Moderate to severe persistent post-surgical pain, as defined by pain scores ≥3 on a numerical rating scale (NRS) of 0-10 (10 being the most severe pain) at least 3 months after completion of surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation * Pain scores of 3-4 are categorized as moderate pain; scores of 5-10 are categorized as severe pain26 * Age ≥ 18 years * Able to read and understand English (to complete required questionnaires and participate in classes) * Ability to provide informed consent * Ability to perform seated exercises Exclusion Criteria: * Unstable cardiovascular disease in the last 6 months * Psychiatric disorders or conditions that would preclude participation in the study intervention (e.g. untreated major depression or psychosis, untreated substance use disorder, severe personality disorder) * Metastatic breast or other concurrent cancer * Pregnant * Recent history of attending regular dance or similar classes (e.g. yoga or tai chi classes i.e. 20 or more classes in the past 6 months) * Planned surgery anticipated during the intervention period * History of a chronic medical condition that has the potential to significantly impact upper extremity function (e.g. stroke, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis) * Currently enrolled in a physical therapy course * Presence of medical conditions or medications that would prohibit participation in an exercise program