Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Clin Breast Cancer. 2021 Feb;21(1):e120-e127. doi: 10.1016/j.clbc.2020.07.007. Epub 2020 Jul 20.

Abstract

The diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) during pregnancy is uncommon. It has varied among different studies from 1:10,000 to 1:3000 of all pregnancies, with a median age of 33 years. Pregnancy-associated BC represents a challenge in terms of clinical management to guarantee both maternal and fetal security in choosing the right treatment. This situation is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach, including the surgeon, anesthesiologist, oncologist, radiotherapist, psychologist, and maternal-fetal medicine specialist. In the present review, we examined the management of pregnancy-associated BC, focusing on pathophysiologic background, risk factors, diagnosis, staging procedures, anesthesia, surgical management, and systemic treatment.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Breastfeeding; Diagnosis; Pregnancy; Treatment of pregnancy-associated breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Medical Oncology / standards
  • Obstetrics / standards
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / therapy*
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Factors