Management of breast cancer during pregnancy

Key content• Delays in childbearing trends are likely to lead to an increase in breast cancer cases diagnosed during pregnancy. • Presentation is usually late because early diagnosis is more difficult. • Surgery is safe throughout pregnancy, whilst radiotherapy and chemotherapy should be administered after completion of the first trimester. • Breast cancer in pregnancy does not carry any significant obstetrical or perinatal risks. • Termination of pregnancy does not affect maternal prognosis.Learning objectives• To understand the role of diagnostic and staging procedures. • To understand the various treatment modalities available. • To understand the obstetric management and timing of delivery. • To highlight the importance of the multidisciplinary team.Ethical issues• At what gestation could termination of pregnancy be warranted? • When should women embark on a further pregnancy after breast cancer treatment?Please cite this article as: Padmagirison R, Gajjar K, Spencer C. Management of breast cancer during pregnancy. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2010;12:186–192.