Breast cancer and pregnancy

Surg Clin North Am. 1999 Oct;79(5):1157-69. doi: 10.1016/s0039-6109(05)70066-9.

Abstract

Pregnancy-associated breast cancer has an overall worse prognosis than nonpregnancy-associated breast cancers because a large proportion present with more advanced disease. Stage for stage, however, the prognosis is similar. The various modalities used for screening, diagnosis, and staging of breast cancer are not always applicable during pregnancy. Often, a delay in diagnosis may contribute to a more advanced stage at presentation. The management of pregnant women with breast cancer is also different because it involves assessing the possible risks to the fetus versus the maternal benefits.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / complications*
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / etiology
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic* / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic* / therapy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Time Factors