Breast cancer treatment is for many patients followed by sequelae, such as persistent pain, sensory disturbances, lymphedema and reduced physical function. These undesired consequences of the treatment are a major clinical problem, with persistent pain affecting 25-60%, sensory disturbances 20-80%, lymphedema 2-86% and reduced physical function 13-28% of patients. Development of persistent pain after breast cancer treatment, involves a complex pathophysiology that involves pre-, intra- and postoperative factors. Several risk factors for the development of persistent pain after breast cancer treatment have been identified; young age, psychosocial factors, surgical procedure and radiation therapy. Neurotoxicity is a well know attribute of many chemotherapeutic agents, such as taxanes. The purpose of this nationwide study is to retrospectively examine a cohort of breast cancer patients treated with docetaxel, to clarify if docetaxel may influence the prevalence and intensity of persistent pain and other sequelae.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Treated for primary breast cancer in Denmark 2007-2008
• Age between 18-80 years
• No recurrent cancer
• Female

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous breast surgery same side (including plastic and reconstructive surgery)
• Bilateral breast surgery
• Recurrent cancer or metastatic cancer

Patients treated for breast cancer in Denmark 2007 and 2008