Pregnancy-associated breast cancer.

As women delay childbirth, the incidence of pregnancy-associated breast cancer is expected to increase. A high degree of suspicion is necessary to ensure timely investigation and diagnosis of breast cancer in a pregnant woman with a suspicious breast lump. Surgery as an initial approach is more suitable when diagnosis is made in the first trimester and systemic therapy can be delayed to second trimester. Diagnosis of breast cancer in the later stages of pregnancy can be managed with primary chemotherapy or surgery. A multidisciplinary approach involving medical and surgical oncologists, high-risk obstetric care, genetic counselors, pharmacists, radiation oncologists, and neonatologist is highly recommended for the successful management of cancer and pregnancy.