Breast cancer during pregnancy

Abstract

The terms gestational breast cancer (GBC) and pregnancy-associated breast cancer are given to breast cancer that occurs during pregnancy and up to one year post-partum. It is an uncommon event, and for even the most experienced clinician, whether oncologist, obstetrician or primary health worker, the complex issues that surround a diagnosis of breast cancer during pregnancy make management difficult. The prognosis overall for women diagnosed with GBC is poor, possibly due to delays in diagnosis. Primary physicians and obstetricians can play an important role in the early detection of GBC by promoting breast awareness in premenopausal women, including women who are pregnant or lactating; and ..