An estimated 1 case of breast cancer for every 3,000 pregnancies and a risk 2 to 3 times more developed in women who become pregnant for the first time after age 30 than in those who do before 20 .

It is known that abortion does not improve the prognosis of breast cancer, so it is not recommended except in special situations. Many pregnant women can undergo effective treatment against breast cancer and give birth to healthy babies.

Detect breast cancer early pregnancy or breastfeeding women is difficult, since your breasts are tender and swollen, making it difficult to detect small lumps. This makes the diagnosis is delayed and often is detected in a more advanced stage.

If breast cancer is associated with a pregnancy becomes a great challenge for the patient, family and physician. Experts say the health breast exam should be part of prenatal and postnatal care. Pregnant or nursing should examine your breasts regularly.

Diagnosis

To detect a breast abnormality, the doctor may order an ultrasound, a mammogram or biopsy.

The prognosis and treatment options for breast cancer depend on stage of cancer, tumor size, type of breast cancer, the baby’s age and general health of the patient, among others.

Those who are diagnosed breast cancer during pregnancy, commonly present with advanced disease signs.

Once confirmed the diagnosis, management should be multidisciplinary and assessed the available therapeutic modalities.

Treatment

Although the treatment of breast cancer in pregnant women is similar to that followed with nonpregnant women in early stages, involves a number of considerations about its effects on the developing fetus. The use of radiation therapy is contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy, like chemotherapy, as its use in this period may cause fetal malformations.

The choice of treatment should not be postponed for coexistence with pregnancy. The most common treatment for women diagnosed with breast cancer or locally advanced node-positive during pregnancy, after the first trimester chemotherapy followed by surgery, usually after childbirth. Radiotherapy is not used until after delivery.

Forecast

Pregnant women with breast cancer have a prognosis similar to that of patients without the disease. Yet it’s hard to deliver an accurate forecast due to the low prevalence of breast cancer associated with pregnancy.