Pregnancy-related breast cancer: 13-year experience in a tertiary institution in Hong Kong

Abstract

Background: The incidence of pregnancy‐associated breast cancer is increasing. Its tumour characteristics and overall survival compared with those in non‐pregnant patients remain controversial. While there have been suggestions that pregnancy‐associated cancers have a 40% increase in risk of death compared to those of the non‐pregnant patients, other studies suggested similar disease outcome. This study aims to review our local experience with pregnancy‐associated breast cancer. Methods: Twenty‐eight patients diagnosed of pregnancy‐associated breast cancer and 28 patients diagnosed at pre‐menopausal age randomly selected during the same period were recruited. Background characteristics, tumor features and survival were compared. Results: Among the 28 pregnant patients, 17 were diagnosed during pregnancy and 11 were diagnosed in postpartum period. Compared to the non‐pregnant breast cancer patients, they presented with larger tumour size (P = .02), less progesterone receptor‐positive tumour (P = .03). Although there was no significant difference in overall nodal status (P = .16), they tended to have more nodal involvement. There was also a trend of delayed presentation to medical attention, with mean duration of 13.2 weeks in the pregnant group and 7.5 weeks in the non‐pregnant group. However, the overall survival did not differ (P = .63). Conclusions: Pregnancy‐associated breast cancer is of increasing incidence. Although overall survival is similar to non‐pregnant patients, they present with more aggressive features but tend to seek delayed medical attention. A multidisciplinary approach is beneficial.