Breast cancer in pregnancy: a comprehensive review of diagnosis, management, and outcomes

In the past decades the incidence of pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) increased. Earlier diagnoses through breast awareness and screening, have led to increases in survival and a decline in breast cancer (BC) recurrence. Managing BC during pregnancy presents a unique challenge for healthcare providers. This article comprehensively examines various treatment strategies and diagnostic challenges, with a focus on balancing maternal health and fetal well-being. The collision between pregnancy and BC puts women in a fear-invoking paradox of their own health, their pregnancy, and the outcomes for both. Casebased approaches and multidisciplinary meetings are essential for navigating these complex scenarios. Early detection, tailored treatment plans, and careful consideration of fetal safety are paramount in effectively managing BC during pregnancy. Some evidence suggests that women with PABC have a worse outcome compared with historical controls. However, young age is a worse prognostic factor independently, and women with pregnancy tend to be young. Increased awareness and detection, rationally aggressive treatment, and enhanced understanding of the mechanisms are imperative steps toward improving the prognosis. The aim is to give optimal treatment to the mother to maximize the chances of survival, whilst minimizing the risks of harm to the fetus.