Abstract

CHALLENGES IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF PREGNANCY-ASSOCIATED BREAST CANCER: A MOROCCAN PERSPECTIVE

Loubna Slama*, Hafsa Taheri, Zainab Chatbi, Ibtissam Bellajdel, Hanane Saadi and Ahmed Mimouni

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Abstract

Background: Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is a rare condition defined as breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy or within one year postpartum. This study aims to describe the epidemiological profile, assess clinical and diagnostic features, and evaluate therapeutic options while examining the mutual impact of pregnancy and cancer. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted between 2014 and 2022 at CHU Mohammed VI in Oujda, involving seven cases of PABC managed in the gynecology-obstetrics department. Results: Seven cases of PABC were identified. All tumors were operable. Four patients underwent radical mastectomy, while three had lumpectomy. Homolateral axillary lymph node dissection was performed in all cases. Chemotherapy was administered to five patients, three of whom received it during pregnancy. Conclusion: PABC tends to be diagnosed at advanced stages, leading to a poor prognosis. Prompt evaluation of any breast abnormalities during pregnancy is crucial, with early diagnosis significantly improving treatment outcomes.

Keywords: Breast cancer, pregnancy, pregnancy-associated breast cancer, PABC.