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Pregnancy-associated breast cancer
1Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
Seminars in Surgical Oncology
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Pregnancy-associated breast cancer is increasing due to delayed childbirth. Treatment carefully balances maternal care and fetal safety, showing similar outcomes to non-pregnant patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Breast Cancer Research
Background:
- Rising incidence of pregnancy-associated (PA) breast cancer linked to delayed childbearing.
- PA breast cancer diagnosis can be delayed due to physician oversight or reluctance for biopsies during pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnosis and management of PA breast cancer.
- To assess the prognosis of PA breast cancer compared to non-pregnant patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of cases diagnosed during pregnancy or within one year postpartum.
- Description of two-stage treatment procedures, prioritizing local anesthesia biopsy.
- Discussion of modified staging and treatment protocols to minimize fetal risk (avoiding scans and irradiation where possible, cautious chemotherapy).
Main Results:
- Prognosis for PA breast cancer, stage for stage, is similar to contemporary non-pregnant patients.
- Treatment protocols are adapted to mitigate fetal risks.
Conclusions:
- PA breast cancer requires careful diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.
- Adherence to modified treatment protocols can achieve comparable outcomes for affected women.