Changes in volume and incidence of lymphedema during and after treatment with docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (TAC) in patients with breast cancer.

Purposes: The purposes of this study were to investigate the incidence of lymphedema in patients with breast cancer during and after adjuvant treatment with docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (TAC), to identify predictors for development of lymphedema, and to describe consequences in daily life in relation to lymphedema.

Methods: This is a prospective study with measurements before chemotherapy (T0), during chemotherapy before cycle 2 (T1), cycle 4 (T2), and 1 month after completion of treatment (T3). Volume change was monitored using tape measurements.

Breast self-examination education for BRCA mutation carriers by clinical nurse specialists.

Purpose: Breast self-examination (BSE) may be beneficial for women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Therefore, these women are often advised to perform BSE. However, only 20% to 35% is performing BSE monthly, and proficiency levels are low.