The drug docetaxel (brand name, Taxotere) may be a more effective
chemotherapy drug for women with early stage breast cancer than a
commonly used regimen, according to results of a study presented in December at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. In the study, women who were treated with a docetaxel-based chemotherapy regimen (TAC) were less likely experience a recurrence of breast cancer or die than women treated with a fluorouracil regimen (FAC). Aventis, the maker of Taxotere, plans to apply for FDA approval in early 2004 to use docetaxel
in early stage breast cancer patients whose cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes.

This article addresses more than 30 common misconceptions about breast cancer. Myths include: antiperspirants cause breast cancer, all breast lumps are cancerous, women with lumpy breasts are more likely to get breast cancer, oral contraceptives increase breast cancer risk, if a breast lump is painful then it is not cancerous, an injury to the breast causes breast cancer, nipple discharge indicates breast cancer and more.

Prenatal ultrasound (also called fetal ultrasound or fetal sonography) has become an almost automatic part of the childbirth process during visits to the obstetrician. It is estimated that up to 70% of women in the United States have prenatal ultrasound exams during pregnancy. Ultrasound is routinely used at 16 to 18 weeks to date the pregnancy and
to check the development of the fetus. This completely revised and updated section discusses prenatal ultrasound safety, how ultrasound is performed, benefits and limitations to prenatal ultrasound, and more. The section also contains several prenatal ultrasound images.

Lymphedema, the chronic swelling of the arm, is a possible side effect of breast cancer surgery that involves removing the axillary (underarm) lymph nodes. It is estimated that of the two million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., approximately 400,000 must cope with lymphedema on a daily basis. This article explains what causes lymphedema, and includes information on how to help prevent and treat the condition. Related topics, such as exercising after breast cancer surgery, are also discussed.