Breastfeeding and Breast Cancer: Managing Lactation in Survivors and Women with a New Diagnosis

Ann Surg Oncol. 2019 Oct;26(10):3032-3039. doi: 10.1245/s10434-019-07596-1. Epub 2019 Jul 24.

Abstract

Background: Supporting breastfeeding is a global health priority, yet few clinical guidelines exist to guide surgical oncologists in managing lactation during or after breast cancer treatment.

Methods: The literature was reviewed to identify evidence-based strategies for managing lactation during multidisciplinary breast cancer treatment or among breast cancer survivors.

Results: The majority of the evidence is from observational studies, with some higher levels of evidence, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Several significant gaps in knowledge remain.

Conclusions: This review serves as a comprehensive resource of evidence-based recommendations for managing lactation in breast cancer survivors and breastfeeding women with a new breast cancer diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Feeding / psychology*
  • Breast Feeding / statistics & numerical data
  • Breast Neoplasms / psychology
  • Breast Neoplasms / rehabilitation*
  • Cancer Survivors / psychology*
  • Cancer Survivors / statistics & numerical data
  • Evidence-Based Medicine*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lactation / psychology*