Breast Cancer in Pregnancy

Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is defined as breast cancer that is diagnosed during gestation, lactation, or the first postpartum year. PABC is rare but extremely serious. The disease puts the lives of both mother and fetus at risk. In addition, PABC typically causes clinical, ethical, and psychological problems as well as doubts related to diagnosis and treatment. Clinical and ethical obstacles are frequently encountered during treatment. The gestational age is critical regarding therapeutic options, causing constant modifications and procedural delays. Surgical treatment can be undertaken during any phase of the pregnancy. Chemotherapy can potentially be administered during the second or third trimester. Radiotherapy is reserved for the postpartum period. Interruption of the gestation does not affect the treatment; however, it undoubtedly facilitates the therapeutic conduct. The indication of this course of action must be undertaken with great consideration and discussed openly with the patient and her family.