Psychological issues in breast cancer survivors confronted with motherhood: Literature review and a call to action

Valentina Elisabetta Di Mattei; Gaia Perego; Paola Taranto; Martina Mazzetti; Federica Ferrari; Noemi Derna; Fedro Alessandro Peccatori; Giorgia Mangili; Massimo Candiani

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1133204

Psychological issues in breast cancer survivors confronted with motherhood: Literature review and a call to action

Front Psychol. 2023 Mar 2:14:1133204. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1133204. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ School of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
² Clinical and Health Psychology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
³ Centro InTerapia, Monza, Italy.
⁴ Fertility and Procreation Unit, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
⁵ Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
⁶ School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.

Abstract

Breast cancer is currently the most common cancer among women worldwide; in 15-25% of cases, patients are premenopausal at the time of diagnosis, and 50% of women desire pregnancy after cancer diagnosis. Motherhood after breast cancer involves complex psychological challenges with long-term consequences, though it is safely pursuable with adequate support. The purpose of this mini-review is to analyze the psychological implications surrounding pregnancy and motherhood after breast cancer and promote action in addressing the challenges that might affect women facing these life events.

Keywords: breast cancer; breastfeeding; motherhood; pregnancy; psychological symptoms.

Publication types

Review