BREAST CANCER AND PREGNANCY: HOW TO PROCEED?

Breast cancer is one of the most frequent solid tumors associated with pregnancy. The prevalence is constantly increasing with a high character and a greater frequency of advanced forms involving the maternal and fetal prognosis. Clinical, ultrasound, cytological and histological diagnosis of cancer, although slightly more difficult, is possible during pregnancy. The histological types encountered correspond to breast cancers encountered outside the pregnancy period. The prognosis of breast cancer does not appear to be affected by pregnancy, provided that it does not interfere with or delay the initiation of diagnostic and treatment procedures. Decisions should be made in a multidisciplinary meeting to ensure that the patient and her partner are as fully informed as possible about the consequences of the cancer and the possible impact of treatment on the future of their child. Breastfeeding should not be prohibited when the cancer is in complete remission. It is important to mention though that it is usually recommended that a woman who has breast cancer wait two years after completing treatment before allowing a subsequent pregnancy.