Managing long-term scar pain after breast cancer surgery

What’s the title of the study? 

A feasibility trial of ScarWork on post-breast surgery pain syndrome (PBSPS) in early stage breast cancer patients  

What’s the study about? 

For some people, the effects of breast cancer surgery don’t stop when treatment ends. Pain. Tightness. Sensitivity around scars. For many, this can go on for years. 

Right now, there’s no clear way to manage these symptoms. And existing treatments don’t work for everyone. 

This study is testing ScarWork. It’s a gentle, hands-on therapy that uses light touch techniques around the scar area. Early studies suggest it may help. But it hasn’t yet been properly tested in an NHS setting. 

The study compares ScarWork with usual care. It’s designed to find out if this approach works in real life and whether it should be tested further in a larger trial. 

Who’s organising it? 

Name of project lead: Dr Nicole Collaço 

Job title: Research Fellow 

Organisation: University College London Hospitals (UCLH) 

Email address: nicole.collaco@nhs.net  

Who can take part? 

You can take part if you: 

Are aged 18 or over 

• Had surgery for primary breast cancer 
• Are at least 1 year post-surgery 
• If you had radiotherapy, finished it at least 6 months ago 
• Are in remission with no active disease 
• Experience pain or discomfort related to your surgical scar 
• Can speak English 
• Are able to attend appointments in central London 

You may still be able to take part even if your surgery was many years ago. 

You won’t be able to take part if you: 

• Have open or infected scars 
• Had certain types of surgical mesh used during your operation  
• Have previously had ScarWork therapy 
• Are currently receiving physiotherapy for post-surgery pain 
• Have certain medical or cognitive conditions that would affect participation  

Why do you want me to be involved? 

Living with long-term scar pain can look different for everyone. And it’s often overlooked. 

By taking part, you can help researchers understand what works and what needs to change. Your experience could shape future research and lead to better ways to manage these symptoms for others affected by breast cancer.  

What will you ask me to do? 

If you take part, you’ll be randomly placed into one of two groups: 

ScarWork group: 

• Attend 5 one-to-one sessions at the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine 
• Each session lasts around 1 hour, spaced about 3 weeks apart 

Usual care group: 

• Continue with your usual care during the study 
• You’ll be offered ScarWork after the study ends 

Everyone taking part will: 

• Complete 4 short questionnaires about symptoms, wellbeing and daily life (10–15 minutes each) 
• Complete them at different points during the study (start, after the study, and follow-up) 
• Choose how to complete them (in person, by post, email or phone) 

Some people may also be invited to take part in a 30-minute telephone interview to share their experience of taking part. 

ScarWork treatment is provided free as part of the study.

How do I get involved? 

If you are interested in getting involved or would like further information, please email the lead researcher at nicole.collaco@nhs.net.  

When’s the deadline? 

1 December 2026