Concurrent Breast and Colon Cancer: Small Cohort Analysis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Multiple primary malignant neoplasms (MPMNs) are rising due to better diagnostics and survival rates.
• Genetic mutations, lifestyle, and environmental factors contribute to MPMN development.
• This study focuses on the clinic-pathological aspects of concurrent breast and bowel cancers in women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the characteristics of female patients with synchronous or metachronous bowel and breast cancers.
• To identify diagnostic challenges associated with these dual malignancies.
• To outline effective management strategies for patients with both breast and colon cancer.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 12 female patients diagnosed with both breast and bowel cancer between 2015 and 2025.
• Analysis included demographics, clinical presentation, imaging, histopathology, genetics, and treatment.
• Data on synchronous and metachronous diagnoses were specifically examined.

Main Results:

• The average patient age was 70 years, with 58% of cases being synchronous.
• Breast cancer was incidentally found during colon cancer staging in 33% of patients.
• Most breast tumors were invasive carcinoma of no special type, and colonic tumors were predominantly adenocarcinomas.

Conclusions:

• MPMNs, including breast and colon cancer, are increasingly prevalent across age groups.
• The co-occurrence of these cancers can happen without clear risk factors.
• Individualized, multidisciplinary care is essential for timely diagnosis and successful treatment of concurrent breast and colon cancers.