Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Abstract

The diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) during pregnancy is uncommon. It has varied among different studies from 1:10,000 to 1:3000 of all pregnancies, with a median age of 33 years. Pregnancy-associated BC represents a challenge in terms of clinical management to guarantee both maternal and fetal security in choosing the right treatment. This situation is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach, including the surgeon, anesthesiologist, oncologist, radiotherapist, psychologist, and maternal-fetal medicine specialist. In the present review, we examined the management of pregnancy-associated BC, focusing on pathophysiologic background, risk factors, diagnosis, staging procedures, anesthesia, surgical management, and systemic treatment.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Breastfeeding; Diagnosis; Pregnancy; Treatment of pregnancy-associated breast cancer.