A case of Triple Negative Breast Cancer diagnosed during Pregnancy

Case Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND Although early full-term pregnancy is a well known protective factor for the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, epidemiological studies correlate a diagnosis of breast cancer during pregnancy or lactation with increased cause-specific mortality. CASE REPORT We report the case of a 33-year old lady who was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer 24 weeks into the pregnancy of her second child. We describe the therapeutic approach to cancer diagnosed during pregnancy and discuss the prognosis of pregnancy-associated breast cancer on the basis of critical appraisal of available evidence. CONCLUSIONS This case highlights the complexity of predicting prognosis of pregnancy-associated breast cancer. In the light of accumulating evidence for the safety and feasibility of cancer treatment during pregnancy, further evidence is needed to define the pathophysiology and clinical management of pregnancy-associated breast cancer, in order to improve outcomes for both mothers and foetus.