Pregnancy-associated Breast Cancer

Ashley S Case1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Mountain Area Health Education Center, Hope Women's Cancer Center, Asheville, North Carolina.

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies affecting pregnancy. Pregnancy-associated breast cancer refers to breast cancer that is diagnosed during pregnancy or within the first postpartum year. The incidence is increasing as more women delay childbearing. Breast cancer can be safely diagnosed, staged, and treated during pregnancy while protecting the fetus and mother with excellent outcomes for both. Avoiding diagnostic delays is vital to prognosis. This article provides an overview of the diagnosis, staging, management, and prognosis of pregnancy-associated breast cancer. Relevant current literature is reviewed.

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