Management of pregnancy-associated breast cancer

Breast cancer during pregnancy remains a challenge for clinicians and a difficult experience for women and the families. Any breast symptom during pregnancy warrants triple assessment and any lump should have a definite diagnosis. If cancer is diagnosed it is usually possible to continue with the pregnancy without compromising any of the treatment modalities (except radiotherapy). The outcome for women diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy is the same as for age and stage-matched non-pregnant counterparts. There is no evidence of adverse foetal outcome if chemotherapy is given during the second or third trimester. However, the reported series are relatively small and more systematic long-term follow-up is needed.